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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: john owen <johnowen1977729@msn.com>
Reply-To: <barr_owenjohn@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2009 15:09:59 +0000
Subject: GREETINGS!!! 6D7-36A FROM BARR. OWEN JOHN''






Dear Beloved,

I am Barr Owen John, attorney to a client in a Bank in LONDON . Indicate your interest to receive the transfer of US$25.5 Million 60% for me and 30% for you then 10% for any expenses. You will stand as the next of kin to my late customer whose account is presently dormant, get back to me for details.
Respectfully,
BARR OWEN JOHN



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