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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: "Mrs. Zainab Karim." <zainabkarim1@lycos.co.uk> (may be fake)
Reply-To: zainabkarim1@gawab.com
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 16:52:17 +0100
Subject: YOUR RESPONSE.

Please pardon the intrusion of this message; it is due to its urgency.
I am in dire need of your assistance. I wish to invest five million pounds in your country, but due to my salary I cannot afford to pay the taxes before this purpose can be achieved.
If you can assist me in paying the taxes I will be willing to share the money with you in this ratio; 40% for me and 60% for you.
I understand the risk I am taking making this proposition through this medium without any physical contact, but I believe we can come to an agreement of trust for our mutual benefit before we proceed.
Please respond upon your interest so I can acquaint you with the details.
I will appreciate if you keep the essence of this message in strict confidence.
Awaiting your positive response.
Zainab Karim (Mrs.)



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