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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: "Capt Stephens Grant Cruz" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <us.armyofficersarena@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 11 May 2015 22:25:12 +0200
Subject: PLEASE CLARIFY YOUR INTEREST AND GET BACK TO ME IT IS URGENT!

Dear Sir,
 
I confirm the receipt of your mail and the content is well understood and noted Inclusive with your details.Be rest assured that this project is 100% risk free.There is no trouble because I did my home work very well. Before we proceed let me take a little time to explain the origin of these funds and why I am sending them to you.
 
During our war campaign in Iraq my team was responsible for a lot of raids on Saddam (Iraqi former president) palaces, while on raid, we discovered the sum of $140 Million dollars packed into military trunk boxes and hidden in Saddam's underground secret chambers.
 
Honestly, my first instinct was to report this to the command officer but on a second thought, I have sacrificed years to serving and protecting my great country, most of us have lost friends and loved ones While on duty. I have been married twice of which none ever lasted for up to 3yrs due to the nature of my job.The most painful one is My 16yr old son turned to drugs addict as he lacked parental guidance and eventually died of overdose. I can't begin to mention all my sacrifices and losses.
 
This is a fortune for both of us hence,the funds belonged to an ex-tyrant whom we captured and has been executed by the International court of justice. As the leader of my unit I reported $120 million dollars out of the funds discovered and I will use my position to move the remaining (US$20 million dollars ) to you for safekeeping until  after my assignment and retirement.
 
The boxes will be sent as Swift Military consignment/Courier specially with immunity to deliver to your physical mailing address. It will be done this way to ensure a maximum security. I must assure you that you will benefit very well and you will never regret assisting me, I have already made solid plans to ensure that this deal is 100% untraceable.
 
Your efforts and assistance will be rewarded with 40% of the money if you are able to handle this deal and keep the boxes safe until I return to the U.S. and move to your home contact. I will take care of shipping expenses including insurance .
 
However, once I conclude with the delivery company that will nominate their agent who will make the delivery to your country, I will update you of the delivery itinerary.
 
Henceforth, further correspondence should strictly be directed to this email ID for security reasons.
 
Nevertheless, re-confirm the following to me as follows before the final departure of trunks as clearly stated above.
 
(a) Your full Names:
(b) Your physical mailing address:
(c) Your direct telephone numbers:
(d) Your occupation.
 
Thanks for your cooperation, God bless you and America !!
 
Best Regards,
Capt Stephens Grant Cruz
US ARMY.

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