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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: MICHAEL SCOTT <michael_scott001@yahoo.de>
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:00:56 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Hello VICTIMNAME


Hello VICTIMNAME,

I really appreciate your response to my email in which you explained your experience with some fraudulent individuals who have made it a habit to destroy the image of Africans and good business opportunities.

I will like to inform you that I am an honest man and will like you to trust and assist me as I promise you that I will not let you down. To commence this transaction, I will like you to give me the following information after which I will send a draft application which you are expected to fill out and send to the bank as the next of kin.

NOTE: Here are the information needed to commence this transaction

1. Your private telephone and fax number.
2. Your country of origin and residence.
3. Your contact address.
4. Your age.
5. Full name.
6. Confidential/ private email address.

I await your immediate response as I assure you of my absolute honesty.

Best Regards
Michael Scott


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