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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "frank zuma" <frankzuma_inc@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 14:11:06 +0200
Subject: Very Urgent

Attn: Carlotta,

I received a phone call from your Boss yesterday in regard to establishing Stonecarvers office here in Johannesburg. He told me of the amount involved in establishing an office and promised to send mail to me to explain more.

I hope you did receive the last mail I sent to you, how far have you gone in getting your travelling documents and when are you going to come to South Africa. I told your Boss that the idea of Establishing an office here for me is acceptable but it will be when this transaction is concluded so that I will be able to have some money to meet the financial requirement in establishing a new office.

Please you should reply as soon as you receive this mail and thanks for your usual cooperation.

Regards,

Mr Frank Zuma


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