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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: "Mr. Webster" <websterstephenb@live.com>
Date: Tue, 11 May 2010 07:04:43 +0100
Subject: Investment Assistance Needed?

Hello, I am Mr. Stephen Webster. Currently, I am the Executive Director in charge of Credit and Foreign bills in Bank of Scotland (UK) PLC, 11 Earl Grey Street Edinburgh EH3 9BN . I am in search of a trusted agent to assist in the transfer of 4,000,000.00 GBP (Four Million pounds Sterling ) and the subsequent investment in properties in your country. You would be required to: (1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum (2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment (3) Assist us in purchase of properties. If you are willing to assist us in this transaction, your share of the sum will be 30% of the 4,000,000.00 GB, the other 65% for the parties involved here and the remaining 5% will be set aside in case any expenses occurred in both parties. I would be more than pleased if you indicate your interest by indicating your confidential private phone number/s in your positive response. I will proceed to furnish you with detailed information on the procedures and means on how the funds would be transferred or made available to you. I await your IMMEDIATE response. And please call me immediately you receive this message for more explanation. Yours Sincerely Mr. Stephen Webster Bank of Scotland Plc. 11 Earl Grey Street Edinburgh EH3 9BN. United Kingdom



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