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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: Gabriel Martin <martingab5050@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 23:05:48 +0800 (CST)
Subject: FROM MARTIN


Dear Friend,

I know this email will come to you as a big suprise moreso since you have not received any communication from me before now and I know this medium is not the best way to communicate a matter of this importance.

My name is Mr Martin Gabriel,and I was privileged to serve as the legal adviser and investment officer of my deceased client, who lost his life sometime ago. In the process of review of his bank financial reports it was discovered that he left the sum of 3.8M GBP INTESTATE.

Upon enquiry for his kins I discovered that you bear similar last names because of your names, hence my contacting you so that I can give you further briefing on my intention and how to go about the fascilitation and disbursement of the estate he left behind.
I will most appreciate your prompt response, as that would enable us to start something immediately.

Best Regards,

Martin Gabriel


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