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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: "AlEX & CO CHAMBER" <lalbertwilson@cnegal.com>
Reply-To: alex.cody509@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 02:33:03 +0100
Subject: Vital Information

Attention,

Good day to you,


My name is Barrister. Alexander Cody (Esq) From Ghana, I hope my message meets you in good health.

How are you? In or about Oct. 2008, a client of mine (Ronald ******) made some fixed deposit with a Ghana Bank. Unfortunately, Mr. Ronald died after a brief illness as an effect of Lung Cancer on the 14th January 2009. I humbly apologize for the means through which you are being contacted about this. My name is Barrister. Alexander Cody, a legal representative to the deceased. The late Mr. Ronald, who hereinafter shall be referred to as my client died leaving the said deposit unclaimed.

I wish to plead for your assistance in securing the said funds to avoid confiscation by the Ghana Bank. The bank has issued a the third time Legal Notification Letter to contact and provide the Next-of-Kin to this funds otherwise have the funds confiscated and converted into the Ghana Government Treasury.

My proposition is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin or heir of the funds. Hence, you have a relating information with the late Mr. Ronald, the proceeds of this account can possibly be paid to you, thereafter, we could share the amount on mutual agreed percentage. All legal documents to back up your claim as my late client's next of kin willbe gradually provided by myself.

All I require is your honest and sincere co-operation to see this transaction through. This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will secure you and myself from any breach of law. If this business proposition offends your moral values, please do accept my apology. I must use this occasion to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter absolute secrecy whatever your decision, while I await your prompt response. Please contact me at once to indicate your interest and more details shall be provided.

Note: This transaction will be treated personal with absolute discretion and sincerity. Meanwhile, the transaction is a secret and confidential deal between both of us as third parties must not be involved for a successful and perfect completion.


Best Regards,
Barrister. Alexander Cody
AlEX & CO CHAMBER
No. 7, 3th Floor, Accra,
Ghana.

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