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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: "A. Young" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <arthor.young2010@att.net>
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 23:00:51 +0400
Subject: FROM CHAIRMAN,CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE,SHELL PETROLIUM IN (UK)

 
CHAIRMAN,CONTRACT AWARD COMMITTEE,SHELL PETROLIUM IN (UK)
 
Dear Friend,
 
 
Confidential Mutual Business Proposal.
 
 
Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information gathered from the (UK) Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege to request your assistance to transfer the sum of $10,000,000.00 (Ten Million United States Dollars)to you.
 
 
The above sum resulted from an over-invoiced contract, executed, commissioned and paid for about {2} years ago by a foreign contractor.This action was however intentional and since then the fund has been in United Arab Emirates and shall be released to you directly by our Offshore Payment Center there in United Arab Emirates.
 
 
We are now ready to transfer the fund overseas and that is where you come in.It is important to inform you that as civil servants,that is why we require your assistance. The total sum will be shared as follows: 65% for us, 30% for you and 5% for local and international expenses incidental to the transfer.The transfer is risk free on both sides. I am an accountant with the SHELL PETROLEUM GROUP OF COMPANIES IN UK. If you find this proposal acceptable, we shall require the following details/information from you:
 
 
1 Phone And Fax Number,
2 Address
3 Your Full Nam
4 Company Name
5 Your Age
 
 
The business will take us Fourteen (14) working days to accomplish. Please reply urgently positively or otherwise In my private Email Address:(arthor.young2010@att.net).
 
 
Best regards,
Dr Arthur A. Young. (Uk)

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