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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: "STEVE HOWARD" <oando@oandocompany.org>
Reply-To: steve_howard_oando@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 13:58:49 +0000
Subject: REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED

REPRESENTATIVE
I represent OANDO IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY PLC based in
Australia. My company markets and exports Polymeric Polyol and other
products for world trade.
We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a
medium of getting to our customers in Europe and America as well as
making payments through you as our payment officer. It is upon this note
that we seek your assistance to stand as our representative in your country.
Note that, as our representative, you will receive 10% of whatever
amount you clear for the company and the balance will be paid into an
account we will avail to you. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this
transaction if accepted, do send me promptly by email the following:
(1)Your full Legal names,
(2)Contact address
(3)Phone/fax numbers.
NOTE :All responses should be sent to,
steve_howard_oando@yahoo.co.uk

Respectfully submitted,
Mr. Steve Howard
President



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