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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: "Mrs Patricia Mercer" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <patmecer1@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 22:59:27 +0100
Subject: Mercer

 
 
My Dear Friend,
 
 
   I don't really know who you are, but I hope that peace is with you as you read this letter. My intuition tells me that I can trust you with my proposition. I received your contact through my email directory and my inner voice suggested that I send this money to you.
 
I am a widow and a devoted Christian. My name is Mrs. Patricia Mercer, and I live in the state of Joplin Mo. Since my husband died, I have been suffering from arthritis. Just this summer, my doctor has diagnosed me with terminal cancer. I have approximately twelve months to live. I am currently confined to a wheelchair, and am being cared for by a nurse.
 
 
   Before my husband died, he left me a large sum of money, to the tune of $5.6m Dollars. He made me promise that it should be used for humanitarian work. We have no children you see, and my husband didn't want his brother to inherit it. This money is currently being held by the bank, awaiting the proper recipient. It is up to me to decide who will gain access to it. If you promise me that you will use this money to achieve the wish of my Husband and I, then I will instruct the bank to release the contents of the vault in your name.
 
 
If you agree to use the money for humanitarian purposes, I will need the following information from you:
 
Your full name, contact address, occupation, age, and phone number.
 
 
God bless you as you walk in the light and glory. Please Kindly send your  reply to my private email address: patmenser@hotmail.com
 
 
 
 
Yours in Vineyard,
Mrs.Patricia  Mercer.

Anti-fraud resources: