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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: "Todd Aaron" <todd_aronn@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 08:38:35 +0000
Subject: Attn:Mr.Sarbjit singh (Swift Response Needed)

Attn:Mr.Sarbjit singh

Top of the day to you,I don't thing you got the content of my mail and if
you do not pay required charges to cover TAX. Our account department can not
take your file to the courier service.

I Will advice you make payment and as soon as you do that your parcel will
be sent to you.

Regards
Todd Aaron

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