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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. Joseph B. Kennedy" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <josephkennedyuk@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:40:30 -0400
Subject: GREETINGS

49 Featherstone Street
Clerkenwell
London
EC1Y 8SY
United Kingdom
 
Hello ,
 
I am Head of Accounts Department Kapital Bank London UK , I got your contact while making inquiry for reliable person that will stand as next of kin to our deceased customer Dr. Johan, the reason behind this transaction is based on the fact that we could not trace any relation of the original beneficiary at the address we have on record and I do not also intend our bank to return this amount to the government account as unclaimed funds, hence I resolved to look for a foreign partner who will assume the ownership of this inheritance fund while we will provide all the relevant papers to support the inheritance payment.
 
This is indeed a high profile business that requires absolute commitment and dedication. What you stand to get at the end of the transaction is 50% of the total inheritance sum. Therefore, if truly you are interested in doing this business with me, please send to me the following particulars:
 
1. Full name:
2. Contact Address:
3. Age:
4. Telephone Number:
5. Sex:
6. Occupation:
7. State:
8. Country:
 
Please note: This is a legitimate and legally approved inheritance
 
fund; therefore we are following all the legal processes to actualize the transfer of the US$8,540,000.00 to you. Every legal stages will be followed hence I need all the information from you. I am looking forward to working with you once you send to me all the information that is required.
 
Regards,
 
Mr. Joseph B. Kennedy

Anti-fraud resources: