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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Sir Barry William <philipscpeters@gmail.com>
Reply-To: sirbarrywilliam00uk@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 06:59:21 +0100
Subject: Urgent Reply Mail From: Sir. Barry!!!


From: Sir. Barry William,

Hello Good Day,
Greetings,

I know that this mail will come to you as a surprise as we never met before.

I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to starting a
relationship. I am Sir. Barry William, Financial Expert worked with Barclay
Banks here in United Kingdom as Financial Consultant Auditor. 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 business proposal in the tune of (£38
million GBP)to be transferred to any safe account with your assistance. I
have every possibility & advantages for the proceeds of this account to be
paid to you and then both of us can share the money, 50% to me and 40% to
you. And 10% will be set aside for any expense both parties might incur
during the transfer process Can I trust you on this?

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 will be
trusted and capable to handle this transaction so that we can transfer this
money out from UK . I guarantee that this will be executed under a concrete
special arrangement that will protect you 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 transfer. 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, so it's discovered during an
annual 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 purpose:

I look forward to hear from you as soon as possible if you are interested.

NOTE: YOU SHOULD NOT DISCUSS THIS BUSINESS TO ANYBODY FOR SECURITY REASONS.

Your’s Faithfully,
Sir. Barry William,

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