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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: Priscilia Jean <prisciliajean20@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2023 08:14:22 +0000
Subject: Greetings

Good day to you and your family.
I am Mrs. Priscila John, I am from Quebec, Canada, and I am currently
hospitalized since I was diagnosed with breast cancer for four months,
and the doctor said that i have to undergo the last surgeries as soon
as possible. I don't know what will happen since the doctor said it is
risky. I have a noble project which i want you to help handle.
Please, let me ask you these questions;

1. Can you handle this project?
2. Can I give you this trust?

I was married to Mr. Thomas John, a gold and diamonds merchant before
he died two years ago. We married without children. Before the death
of my late husband, he deposited the sum of $ 3.2 million ($ 3.2
million) in a finance house in the United States of America. Now, I
want to donate the $ 3.2 million to orphanages, less privileged and
widows. So I want you to help claim this money from the bank in the
United States of America and help donate the money to the orphanages,
the less privileged and the widows in your country. I am doing this
because no child to inherit this money and it is good to help those in
need.
I hope you can handle this project as I have explained.
Please pray for me.
I hope to read from you soon for more details.
Mrs. Priscila John

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