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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: "MR MARK JEROME" <barristerjerome.m@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:44:55 -0500 (COT)
Subject: READ AND GET BACK TO ME

Attn: Honorable Beneficiary,


NOTIFICATION OF YOUR OUTSTANDING PAYMENT OF: £5.2M (GBP).


I write to inform you that inspite of the hitch concerning the delays of
your payments the British Government in conjunction with IMF has mandated
to effect your payment through Sterling Finance Bank Plc, London


Note that the British Government and IMF has resolved that you set-up an
immediate account with the Sterling Finance Bank Plc to enable the bank
effect your overdue payment via their reserve account.


Please reconfirm your full names, contact address, direct telephone
numbers for (an easy communication).


The estimated time expected to duly complete your transfer upon the
setting up an account with the paying bank, is 4 working days.


Congratulations, as you actualize your desired goal.


Yours Sincerely,

Mr.Mark Jerome

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