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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: "Paul.D.Smith" (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 5 May 2014 23:53:22 -0400
Subject: FINAL POST (05/06/2014)

Goodmorning,
 
I am surprised not getting a response from the earlier mail I sent to you.
 
I am a solicitor with Smith & Partners Associates.
 
It is regarding my passed on client who has the same family name with you,likely your family member I aided in making an investment deposit with a bank.
 
When I made his death known to the bank, I was instructed to present any available member of his family or close relative to be paid the funds since he had no kin filled with the bank.
 
Please acknowledge if your email is still valid to enable me explain more.
 
Best regards,
Regards,
Paul Smith
 

Anti-fraud resources: