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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: "Albert Harrison" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <hksalesxc@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Dec 2015 18:54:03 -0600
Subject: INVESTMENT FUNDING READY GET BACK IMMEDIATELY

Dear Friend.
 
I write to you based on a request by an investor and his need for investment/funding in your company. My name is Albert Harrison, the Financial Consultant of Al Harrison Consultants.
 
My company most times represents the interests of very wealthy investors. Due to the sensitivity of the position they hold in their society and the unstable investment environment of their country, they evacuate majority of their funds into more stable economies and developed nations where they can get good yield for their funds.
 
A Reserved Client, whom I had personally worked with few years ago with a proposal recently approached me that he wants an individual/company that will assist him to invest the sum of (?50.000.000.00) Fifty Million Euros on his behalf in a good profitable business in your company/country for a period of 15 years for a start.
 
We extend hands of investment to you with the intents of making good profit for us all and all we need from you to accomplish this is your total commitment, cooperation and trust. You are required to provide me with the following information should be willing to handle this project.
 
1. Your Full Names
2. Your Telephone/Fax numbers
3. Your residential/company address.
 
Looking forward to hear from you soon.
 
In receipt of this confidential Letter, you are required to respond immediately to: albert.harrison012@w.cn
 
Best regards.
Albert Harrison
Chief Consultant

Anti-fraud resources: