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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: " McPhillips Bernard Kevin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mcphillips25@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 13:09:40 -0700
Subject: Business Opportunity !!!

Mr. McPhillips Bernard Kevin,
Address: E3 Pelham House,
32-34 Pelham Road, London, GW19 1SX
United Kingdom.
 
 
 
I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to starting a relationship but I believe knowing each other starts from a step of which I believe I am not making a mistake exposing this very important business deal to you?
 
Firstly, let me identify myself without any intention of equivocation, I am Mr. McPhillips Bernard Kevin, Financial Expert worked in a Bank here in United Kingdom, I will be happy if we can do business together in good faith and this proposal will be of mutual benefit for us. I have a transaction deal in the tune of £15,000,000 (fifteen Million British Pounds Sterling} to be transferred to any possible safe account with your good assistance. I have every possibility & advantages for the proceeds of this account to be paid to you and then both of us can share equal percentage meaning 60% for me and 40% to you. I am really Serious” can I trust you on this subject matter?
 
I had discussed this issue privately with the Top Bank Director and he agreed to help and have instructed me to look for a foreigner who can be trusted and capable to handle this transaction so that we can secretly move this money out from UK immediately basing on Investments plans in your Country. I guarantee that this will be executed under a concrete special arrangement that will protect us from any breach of law. I will not fail to bring to your notice that this transaction is hitch-free and you should not entertain any fears as the required arrangements have been made for the completion of this Operation.
 
This money was secretly deposited and placed for an Investment before the late holder died and none of his families or relatives knows about this money, I came across this great fortune during an annual pre-audition. If you can be trusted and capable to handle this business with me in full confidence & trust, please send me the following information for documentation preparation and also give me your word of confidence that we will work as one team and I will get in return what belongs to me after successful transmission this operation:
 
Your expedient response will be appreciated as i look forward to hearing from you soon. Please send all email correspondence to personal email add: (mcphillips25@gmail.com) Kindly provide your fullnames/contact address/direct telephone.
 
Thank you for your time and attention, looking forward to hearing from you.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Mr. McPhillips Bernard Kevin.

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