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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: "Schrader"<customers.servicec@googlemail.com>
Reply-To: <collinsinfo66@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 2 Oct 2009 23:23:12 +0800
Subject: Re:From Mr.James.Schrader Urgent

Hello: Good Day
 
Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal ethics.
I am the Head of Operations in a well known Bank here in London uk.
 
I have a business proposal in the tune of US$15.500.000 to be transferred to an offshore account with your assistance if willing.
 
I do solicit for your assistance in effecting this transaction,I intend to give 30%  of the
 
total funds as compensation for your assistance,if interested I will send
you  the full transaction details on receipt of your response.
 
You can contact me on my private and send me the following information for documentation purpose:
1.Full Name
2.Residential Address
3.Age
4.Occupation
5.Direct Telephone Numbers
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Mr.James.Schrader.

Anti-fraud resources: