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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: Michael Scott <michael.scott00015@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2016 02:36:29 +0200
Subject: ATTN: Dear,

Dearest,

Please, I want to introduce myself and this business opportunity to you.

My name is Mr. Michael Scott, a branch manager with a reputable bank in
South Africa. I will need your assistance in this business transaction
which I would like you to stand as the next of kin to my deceased customer
who coincidentally shares the same surname with you who died in an
auto-crash on 21st of November 2011.

He was a wealthy oil magnate who made a deposit of $30,000,000 with our
bank. He died without any registered next of kin and as such the funds now
have an open beneficiary mandate. If you are interested please do let me
have your private telephone number so that I can give you comprehensive
details on what we are to do.

Send me the following information:

1. Your Full name:
2. Your private telephone and fax number:
3. Your occupation:
4. Your home or office address:

I urgently hope to get your response as soon as possible.

Regards
Michael Scott.

Anti-fraud resources: