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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: edward williams <edward2013williams@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 23:28:36 +0200
Subject: From Mr Edward Williams

Dearest,
It's my pleasure to acquaint you with this proposal for a financial
and business assistance in your country, I knows my message will come
to you as a surprise.

Don't worry I was totally convinced to write you in reference to the
transfer of USD$11.5M to your account for onward investment (Hotel,
industries and estate building management) in your country, this fund
was deposited in a prime bank in Abidjan, Cote D,Ivoire by my late
father.

All you need to do is to provide me with your private telephone and
fax numbers for us to talk and as well provide me with your account
details or you open a new bank account for the transfer of the fund to
your country. please if you are interested, reply me urgently.

Remain bless while expecting your prompt co-operation.
Best Regard
Mr Edward Williams

Anti-fraud resources: