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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: Mariam Zidan <alewetarm@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2016 00:27:52 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Hi Dear,


Hi Dear,
In confidence,i have to introduce myself i am Miss Mariam Zidan, 23 years old,I am the only child of late Jimah Zidan. I prayed before contacting you, please do not see my email as embarrassment as we do not know each other.I found your email address from the Human resources data base and decided to contact you.  What I am saying is I want to transfer (US$6.4 Million) into your account. Will it be possible for you to receive it without telling me any story when the money enters into your account?.Can I trust you on this transfer of my inheritance from my late father for an investment under your care. Waiting for your urgent response. In my next email I will tell you more about myself with my pictures, more about my family and my country. 
Yours sincerely, 
Miss Mariam Zidan.

Anti-fraud resources: