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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: Esther bemata <estherbemata@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Jul 2015 14:33:28 +0100
Subject: MY CHARITY

Dear Friend

My name is Mrs. Esther Bemata, the wife of late Johnson Bemata from
Angola, my husband died six years ago in a motor accident, leaving a
legacy of 25 Million United Kingdom Pounds Sterling ($40M USA Dollars)
with a financial institution in London, and in the care of a lawyer in
London as well, of which I am the beneficiary.

Now due to my present illness (Lung Carcinoid Tumor cancer) and the
doctor’s confirmation that I have lesser time to live, coupled with
the fact that I am childless, I want to use this money to serve
humanity, by giving it to the motherless, widows and orphanage homes
in Africa and Asia.

But I need a trust worthy person that can help me administer this
instruction, and take only 10% of the money as his or her commission
for helping me out, while 90% goes to charity. Presently because of my
heart condition I cannot make phone calls, but can only discuss on
email, but will give you the email and phone number of my lawyer in
London to contact him as my appointed administrator.

If you can handle this assignment, kindly respond, so that I can make
you my next of kin, and exchange all documents in your name as the
fund beneficiary. Please be polite and sincere to tell me a little
about your occupation, because I need a reliable fellow.

Thanks and remain blessed.
Mrs. Esther Bemata
Alternative email: esterbemata@outlook.com

Anti-fraud resources: