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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: "David Moore" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrdavidmoore1954@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2017 13:44:37 +0200
Subject: GREETINGS & WELCOME TO 2017 WITH GOOD PROPOSAL

Dear Friend,
 
It is my pleasure to send you this confidential information via e-mail
instead of a Certified / Post-mail. I humbly crave your indulgence to read this e-mail with all seriousness because this project is based on trust in order to have an acceptable meetings of like minds.
 
 
Meanwhile, I know there is absolutely going to be some little doubts in your heart in respect of this email, coupled with the fact that so many worth individuals have taken possession of the Internet to facilitate their nefarious deeds, thereby making it extremely difficult for genuine and legitimate business class persons to get attention and recognition. There is no way for me to know whether I will be properly understood, but it is my duty to write and reach out to you.
 
 
Recently my bank was conducting first quarter auditing investigation over some accounts balance with our bank and this investigation involves a client who was very closed to me but there are circumstances surrounding the deposit made by this client with our bank.
 
So far I am constrained to issue out further details pending when I hear a positive response from you.I will appreciate your sincere interest. So get back to me for more details about our deceased client and how we can remit the fund to your bank account.
 
Best Regards,
David Moore.

Anti-fraud resources: