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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: michaelsanderson_org@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 03:14:23 -0800
Subject: From: Mr.Michael Sanderson. Date:01/08/2005.

ATTN:PRESIDENT/CEO.
DEAR,

I wish to inform you if you can do us a favor to transfer the sum of $12.5
Million Dollars into your account for investment, This fund belongs to one of
our foreign client Late Mr.Morris Thompson.More details about the deceased
himself, you can check on.
http://archives.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list/
More details about the deceased himself,you can check
on(http://www.nativefederation.org/history/people/mThompson.html)

This account is a dormant for more that fseven years ago, We decided to transfer
this fund out to a foreign businessman who is willing to handle our investment,
While all the arrangement here have been done and everything regarding to this
transfer is 100% risk free. Once again we are going to reach an agreement with
you for the self-keeping of the fund and percentage which you will accept from
us for the total fund transfer.While expecting your immediate answer so that i
can inform you more details.

Yours truly,
Mr. Michael Sanderson.
The Bill and Exchange(Assistant) Manager.
First Rand Bank. Ath Floor,5 Merchant Place, Corner Fredman Drive & Rivonia Road
Sandton 4196.South Africa.
Email: first.rand.bank@workmail.co.za

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