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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: "Elizabeth Edward" <elizabethedward@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 03:16:53 -0800
Subject: Dear Friend,

Dear Friend,
I have an immediate business proposal that involves the sum of £8,200,000.00
(Eight million, Two Hundred Thousand British Pounds) which is approximately
US$15,073,530.00 (Fifteen Million, Seventy Three Thousand Five hundred and
Thirty US Dollars) ,I deposited in a security company in London which we
will like to invest under your custody. Please, do not hesitate to send me
an email
to my most preferable email address: elizabethedward@hotmail.com, so as to
discuss with you the details of the transaction/the terms and condition of
disbursing the money regarding the business.

Your urgent response will be highly appreciated and will swiftly bring us to
the commencement of the transaction. We hope to conclude this transaction
within 10-12 working days.
I await your urgent response which will bring us to the commencement of
this business deal.
Best regards,
Elizabeth Edward Johnson


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