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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: "Mrs Marie Kiala" <mrsmariekiala44@msn.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2005 23:49:58 +0000
Subject: FROM MRS MARIE KIALA PLEASE

From: Mrs. Marie Kiala
Cotonou,Benin Republic,
West Africa.
 
Good Day Sir,
 
I make this distress call with heart full of tears to seek your urgent help. I am Mrs. Marie Kiala , the wife of Late Major General Antonio Kiala,former minister of defence and chief of the army staff of the republic of Guinea Bissau in the defunct Government of Joao Bernado Viera. My husband died during the recent coup d'etat, which deposed the former head of state.In the wake of the incidence, I fled together with my family to Cotonou Benin Republic and took refuge to avoid further oppression from the incumbent government who have seized all my family's properties and seized all accounts belonging to the allies of the deposed
president.
 
Due to this unfortunate situation, I am desperately searching for a reliable and honest partner to assist me in receiving as quickly as possible, the sum of Fifteen Million United States Dollars(US$15,000,000.00)which is the only money that is still safe and intact deposited by my husband in a security company.I am therefore passionately requesting your kind help to move this money out for safety to your country under your care. I have solidified every arrangement to prepare Legal Documents making you the trustee and beneficiary of this fund for a hitch free withdrawal, if I will get your positive response to this urgent plea my good friend. As we meet in due course, we shall be discussing further on other important issues regarding mutual business relationship and possibility of securing a resident-permit for me and my children in your country.Personally, I am not comfortable and do not feel safe staying here in Cotonou due to security reasons as my life is at risk. I must confess that I repose much hope and trust in your helping me out of this ugly crises.
 
I am equally willing my good friend to compensate your kind efforts and co-operation in assisting me and my children with One million United State Dollars (US$1,000,000.00) only, if you can offer me this help. Please be informed that I am contacting you based on trust. Please do not disappoint me, your security and reputation is highly guaranteed; absolute confidentiality should also be adhered to. Please! Please! I pray your urgent assistance.Contact me immediately if you are willing to offer me this help, also send to me your full name and address, private phone and fax number so that we can proceed immediately with the change of Legal documents that covers this transaction.
Waiting to hear from you.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Marie Kiala
--

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