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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: "Zoe Lau" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <zoelau1970@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Mar 2019 08:45:28 -0700
Subject: Re: Read and get back to me ASAP.

Attention: Sir/Madam,
 
 
We received clearance directives from the Senate committee under
leadership of Senator Shehu Sani, For ratification of outstanding debt of $10 Million Five Hundred Thousand USD in your favor. Kindly Note that Scotia bank of Canada has been mandated to open payment communication with you for possibly transfer of your un paid debt.
 
 
We need to make sure that with familiarize with you before we can give the green light to Scotia bank of Canada for possible transfer. It is advisable that you get back to me in confirmation if the amount mentioned is the actual amount involved and if not you can provide any prove of your claim, to enable us ratify it on our records and also very important to know that the president made it clear that we must open communication with you from our official website/e-mail for records and assurance purpose that your dealing with a legitimate government body and not some impostors and all communication after this must be official ranging from our ministry to the bank. Please check us on www.dmo.gov.ng you can also search for Scotia bank on your browser as www.scotiabank.com and make sure you search out the real and official website and with this you can stay safe on the internet and get your payment without qualms.
 
 
Yours Truly,
Zoe Lau, Personal Assistant to Mrs Patience Oniha Director-General.
Debt Management Office Nigeria.
 
 

Anti-fraud resources: