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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: urgent 101 <urgent101@cantv.net>
Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 02:00:03 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Dear Beloved ,



Dear Beloved ,
 
I am Cynthia, 19 years the only daughter and the only child of my late parents Mr. Michael and Mrs.Veronica. My father was a highly reputable business man-(a cocoa merchant) who operated in the Cote d'Ivoire during his days.It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad year.
 
Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that time. My mother died when I was just 4 years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death he told me that he has the sum (USD$17 000 000) left in a bank here in Cote d'Ivoire.
 
I am just 19 years old and really don't know what to do. so, I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards to help me claim and invest the money in your country and also help me to come over to your country to further my education while you invest and manage the money. Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. I will like that you keep this transaction confidential for the security of the money. Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
 
1. Can I completely trust you?
2. Can you be able to keep this transaction confidential for the security of the money?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you? Consider this and get back to me
 
Thank you so much.
My sincere regards,
(Cynthia Michael).



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