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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: "Sadou K Hamal" <sadouhamal@yahoo.fr> (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2005 16:36:06 +0100
Subject: Relying On You

My Respectful Greetings,

How are you and your family? I hope all of you are fine.

This should suprise you because you don't know me and
I don't know you. Neverthless,it is my pleasure contacting
you for the investment I intended to do in your country.

I am Sadou K. Hamal and I am 25 years old. Though I have
not met you, considering my situation now I risk confiding in you
for my survival.

My late father left a huge amount of Eighteen million U.S dollars
($18m) in a Deposit House before he was assisinated by unknown rebels.
Unfortunately, after few months later my mother was also murdered.
So, I ran away. Now, I decided to invest this fund in your
country or anywhere safer, but outside Africa for security
and political purposes.

I want the fund to be transfered and invested in your country,
hence I am appealing for your help. Also I will like to continue
my education in your country, while you will manage the investment
of the fund in a good business.I will like to give you 25% of the
total sum for your help.

Greet your family for me.
Sincerely Yours,
Sadou



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