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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: "Robert S. Mueller" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <r_mueller61@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:51:25 +0430
Subject: FROM ROBERT MUELLER III [Code XXXXXFBI]

FROM ROBERT MUELLER III [Code XXXXXFBI]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FBI
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI.
WASHINGTON DC./United State Office.
FBI SEEKING TO WIRETAP INTERNET IMPOSTERS.
[Code XXXXXFBI]
 
I believe that this notification meets you in a very good present state of mind and health. We the Federal bureau of investigations (FBI) Washington, DC in conjuction with some other relevant Investigation Agencies in the United states of America and right now in Federal Republic Of Nigeria, headed by Rick Brown (RPO) I understand you are expecting your delayed fund to be transferred to you, but some top government officials and bank partners will not tell you the truth about the where abouts of your fund and all they are doing is to tell you to pay outrageous fees which you refused to come up with. I have to let you know the truth because I know you have gone far in trying to get this fund and must have paid some amounts of monies to persons you are not supposed to give out a dime to.
 
THROUGH OUR GLOBAL NETWORKING INVESTIGATION, WE DISCOVER THAT YOUR INHERITANCE IS AMONG THE FUND IN NIGERIA {ON HOLD} YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED TO STOP EVERY COMMUNICATION WITH ANY OFFICE AND FEEL FREE TO EXPLAIN TO THIS BUREAU WHY YOUR INHERITANCE IS NOT YET RELEASED TO YOU, TO HELP TAKE ACTION ON THAT EFFECT.THIS INSTRUCTION REQUIRES URGENT ATTENTION, BECAUSE THE RELEASE OF YOUR FUND IS DUE.
 
I will be ready to help you get your fund if you abide to my instructions to enable me help in transfering your fund as the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION FBI. principal officer. I strongly know that they will never tell you the truth because they are all thieving criminals.I have decided with my veto power that you must receive one third of your principle fund which is US$5.5m (Five million five hundred united states dollars) to ascertain really whom I am.
 
Bear it in mind that many hoodlums has been using my name to contact people that has funds to claim. I used this opportunity to notify you once more that any email that has not the security code [Code XXXXXFBI] on the subject is false.
 
You are advice to email me back immediately for further instructions and directives
 
I expect your prompt response.
 
Regards,
ROBERT S. MUELLER 111
DIRECTOR FBI
[Code XXXXXFBI]

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