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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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Fraud email example:

From: "FOREIGN SERVICE DIRECTOR" <foreignservicedirector9@worldwide-cashchange.com>
Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2005 07:48:14 +0000
Subject: Clarification/Confirmation



Dear Prize Winner,
This is confirming receipt of your correspondence and assuring you that in
line with our ethics of competence, precision and client contentment, you
shall be treated with the most excellent service within the abilities of
this organization and in line with company policies.

PRESTIGIOUS LOTTERY U.K held their promotional draws and results were
announced from participants selected through a computer ballot scheme drawn
from 4,000,000 names/email addresses of people and companies from Africa,
America, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and New Zealand as
part of their global promotions program.


My Company, WORLD WIDE CASH CHANGE LTD is, upon agreement with PRESTIGIOUS
LOTTERY U.K. to handle all transfer matters involving them and you the
winner in respect of the payout of your winning sum. We will ensure the
transfer of your prize money accordingly upon your complying with our
requirements.

I suppose the situation is clear to you at this time.

I look forward to your immediate response.
Regards,
MR. GARY BLACKWELL
WORLD WIDE CASH CHANGE LTD
FAX: +44 2075043761
www.wwcclimiteduk.com
NB: For further information about PRESTIGIOUS LOTTERY U.K, feel free to
contact them directly;
LOTTERY COORDINATOR
PRESTIGIOUS LOTTERY U.K
73 BELGRAVE ROAD
LONDON
ENGLAND
SW1V 2BB
UNITED KINGDOM
FAX: 447092861175
www.prestigiouslotteryuk.com

Anti-fraud resources: