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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: "Ogadima Mulay" <ogadimulay@yahoo.fr> (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 22:08:03 +0200
Subject: Business partnership/Urgent reply.

Dear ,

I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation

and to secure in your position an opportunity to invest and do joint

business with you in your country.

I am looking forward to your urgent and positive response for us to

discuss details.

Thank you.

Mr.Peter Ottawa



Anti-fraud resources: