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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: william patrick <willpart03@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 10:30:22 +0100
Subject: Good Day,


Good Day,
My name is William Patrick from Sierra Leone, but i live in ivory Coast now. I am the only Son of Mr & Mrs Richard Patrick, I want you to help me and my younger sister invest in your country.
I lost my mother at the age of 10, My father was poisoned to death during the war here in Cote D'Ivoire. Before the death of my late father he made a deposit of 4.5 million dollars and he made me the beneficiary ( next of kin).
But due to the political problem here and the reason behind my parents death; I will not wish to invest here, So I want you to assist me transfer this fund to your country for investment purpose.
As for your kind assistance, I am willing to offer you 20% of the total sum after the successful end of the transaction.
Contact me back if you are interested in assisting me, I will give you more details.Yours sincerely,
William Patrick

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