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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: Michael Douglas <michael_douglas52@yahoo.es>
Reply-To: michael.douglas116@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:05:04 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Re: Can you assist!!!!!!


Mr. Michael Douglas
Head, Michael Consulting (Auditors)
Jersey, Channel Islands.
 
4th September, 2008.
 
Sir,
 
For Your Immediate Consideration:
 
My name is Michael Douglas. I trained and work as an external auditor for
the EFG Private Bank Limited, Jersey, Channel Islands, working as part
of a bigger team that covers the entire Channel Islands. I have taken
pains to find your contact through a colleague that is connected with
the British Chamber of Commerce.
 
On routine audit check last year, I discovered some investment accounts
that had been dormant for at least 9 years. All the accounts belong to
a single/ one account holder with monies totaling a little above 3.6
million United States Dollars. Now banking regulation/legislation here
demand that I do notify the fiscal authorities after a statutory time
span of 8 years when dormant accounts of this type are called in by the
Jersey monetary regulatory bodies.
 
The above set of facts underscores my reason for writing and proposing
to you. My investigations of the said account reveals that the
investor, a Briton had died in 1998 the exact time the account was last
operated. I can confirm with certainty that the said investor died
interstate and no next of kin to his estate has been found or has
come forward all these years.
 
I am of the settled conviction that using my insider leverage, I,
working with you can secure the funds in the account for ourselves
instead of allowing it pass as unclaimed funds into the coffers of the
Government of Channel Islands . This is especially possible as you
bear the same LAST NAME with the said investor. This exactly is why I
crave your participation and co-operation . I have in my custody all
relevant documents (legal and Banking) that will facilitate your
claims as the beneficiary of the funds.
 
If this offer is okay by you, we can put minds together and workout the
modalities and our mutual benefits.
 
I shall however leave out the final details of this transaction till I
receive an affirmation of your desire to participate . Be rest assured
that I am in control of the situation and as such, there would be no
risk whatsoever if you elect to come on board. Needless to say, UTMOST
CONFIDENTIALITY is of vital importance if we are to successfully reap
the immense benefits of this transaction.
 
I do expect your prompt respons.
 
Truly,
 
Michael Douglas
 
 
 



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