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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: "Larry Lawson. ESQ" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lawsonharry816@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2015 12:38:27 +0100
Subject: Partnership!!!


Attn: Intended Partner,

We are Fatima Awad Law Firm based in United Kingdom, Middle East Business and Finance Consultancy, offering service to midline businesses and individuals in the Middle East who desire to expand into other countries or business activities.

We are presently confronted with a request to invest funds in your country; the funds legitimately belong to a widow from Saudi Arabia.

Against this background we are seeking your indulgence to respond to us indicating if you are capable and wiling to partner with us in the investment of USD$38,000,000.00 (Thirty Eight Million United State Dollars), in a covert expedient and confidential manner.

Your swift response will be appreciated

Larry Lawson. ESQ
Attorney At-Law

Anti-fraud resources: