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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: george williams <gwilliams_220@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 13:23:03 +0100 (BST)
Subject: URGENT PLEASE..


Dear Han Hoff,

Please your mail was received with good faith but iwas too busy thats why I have not Replied.

Well, I will like you to give me your contact imformations such as house address, Telephone/Fax numbers, your Ocupation, Age and marital status.this will enable me To fill a text of application and submit to the security company on your behalf for the Immediate release of the consigment.

Please I will like you to this as soon as you receive this mail knowing fully well that Time waits for no one.

Sincerely yours,
George Williams Esq.


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Anti-fraud resources: