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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: "Mr. Michael Sallac" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <contacto@quickxone.com>
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2021 15:03:38 +0100
Subject: Please Get Back To Me

Hello Sir/Madam

I only got your contact details from the United Kingdom Exchange Information On-line Service on my personal programmed search on the internet for a reputable company or individual to assist me sincerely & confidentially which your information & profiles were very satisfactory, so I decided to contact you immediately. It is my great pleasure to write you this letter. Within the Energy Development Limited London United Kingdom where I work as a Director of Audit and Project Implementation, I have in my possession an overdue payment in GBP funds.

The said funds represent a certain percentage of the total contract value executed on behalf of my Department by a foreign contracting firm, which, I the official, over-invoiced to the amount of GBP850,000.00 ( Eight Hundred And Fifty Thousand Great Britain Pounds Sterling). Though the actual contract cost has been paid to the original contractor, leaving the excess balance unclaimed. Since the present elected Government is determined to pay foreign contractors all debts owed, so as to maintain good relationships with foreign governments and non-government agencies, we included our bills for approvals with the Department of Finance.

I am seeking your assistance to front as a beneficiary of the unclaimed funds since I am not allowed to operate foreign accounts. Details and change of beneficiary information upon application for claim to reflect payment and approvals will be secured on behalf of you/your Company. I have to propose that should you be willing to assist me in this transaction your share as compensation will be (35%), and the balance of (65%) will be for me.

The business is completely safe and secure, provided you treat it with the utmost confidentiality. It does not matter whether you/your Company does contract projects, as a transfer of powers will be secured in favor of you/your Company. Also, your area of specialization is not a hindrance to the successful execution of this transaction. I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint me.

Your urgent response, please.

Thanks for your cooperation and do contact me urgently for more information.

Mr. Michael Sallac

Anti-fraud resources: