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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: "agnes ng" <agnes_ngwueny10@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:20:42 +0200
Subject: BUSINESS ASSISTANCE.

From: Mrs. Agnes Ngwuenya
Media Accountant B. Comp. (Hon’s,) IMM
ATTN: The Managing Director/ CEO:

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is my pleasure to inform you of a transaction involving the transfer of
One Million United States Dollars (US$ 1M) to a foreign account for safe
keeping pending my arrival with my colleagues for sharing with you as the
account owner. I am a media-relations accountant with the South African
Anglo Gold Corporation in Johannesburg and this money originated from an
over invoiced contract executed for the Co-operation some time ago.

On completion and inspection of the contract the payment voucher was
approved and the money involved made available for the payment to the
contractors. We are high profile officials therefore we are not liable to
come for the claim of this money.

We are looking for an honest company or individual abroad whose particulars
will be tendered by us here in South Africa as one of the contractors that
executed the project for the collection of the money. To effect this
transfer I therefore request the following: Your number, the name of your
bank, the address where this money will be transferred into and also your
fax and telephone number for quick and confidential communication.

Upon due consideration, you were strongly recommended to us. Although we
have never met before as to know the extent of your honesty, but based on
the recommendation I personally want to believe that you will not sit on our
money once finally transferred into your account.

It is on this note that I considered it proper to write you, asking for your
consent, permission and support to transfer this money into your account.
You should not fear any risk because we have concluded the arrangement to
safeguard you and this transaction yet at the same time we would not like
you to publicize this transaction for our own safety: it requires high
levels of secrecy, and confidence. Here below are details regarding the
sharing modalities:

1. 5% will be used to settle transference charges and local protocols
2. 25% will be given to you for using your account
3. 70% will belong to the fund originators.

I shall expect an immediate reply from you if you are willing and capable to
assist. Please note that all correspondence should be strictly through
telephone.

Yours Truly

Mrs. Agnes Ngwuenya.

_________________________________________________________________
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