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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: "barry ukwu" <barryukwu03@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 19:57:24 +0100
Subject: From Barry Ukwu


>From Barry Ukwu

Greetings

Introduction, my name is Barry ukwu. Contacting you is to have a Discussion
with you regarding an investment that I want to invest in your country.
Confirm the receipt of this message with your direct telephone number to
enable me call you immediately and details of this investment will follow
after reading from you.

Wait for your reply.

Best Regards,
Barry Ukwu

Anti-fraud resources: