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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: Vera Gallo <office1900@yahoo.com.ph>
Reply-To: veragallo1964@yahoo.de
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:03:35 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: HI FROM MRS VERA




Dearest Beloved One,



I am Mrs. Vera Gallo an Italian National but residing in Abidjan Cote D' d’Ivoire. I and my late husband a Pakistani National was into Estate management and also a government Estate building contractor before my husband's death. He was murdered with the Interior Minister by the rebels during these recent political crises in Cote d’Ivoire. My late husband also has a Cocoa farm which was totally burnt by the rebels after he was killed. We were married for eleven years without a child due my fibroid problem. Since over seven months now I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Four months due to cancer problem. From all indications, my condition is really deteriorating and is quite obvious that I may not live more than two months, because the cancer stage has gotten to a very dangerous stage. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $3.9 Million (USD) in a trust company in
Pakistan, and presently this money is still in the trust company.



Having known my condition I have decided to donate this fund to good person that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want to you use at least 85% this fund to visit the orphanage homes, poor aged widows, help woman with cancer problems, poor sick ones at the hospital as I want this to be the last good thing I did on earth before my death, then take the remaining 15% to take good care of your good home because every worker deserves his wages. I am not afraid of death hence I know that I am going to be in the blossom of the Lord. My happiness is that I lived a good life. Assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the trust company and I will also issue a letter of authorization to the trust company that will prove you the beneficiary of this money. I also want you to always pray for me.



Thanks and Remain blessed,

Mrs Vera Gallo.

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