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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: Elizabeth Edwards <ee280666@gmail.com>
Reply-To: eli280666@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2023 02:49:34 +0100
Subject: Urgent Reply!


Dear beloved,

Please forgive me for stressing you with my predicaments as I know
that this letter may come to you as a big surprise. Meanwhile, I am
Madam Elizabeth Edward, 73 years, am from USA, childless. I am
suffering from adenocarcinoma Cancer of the lungs for the past 8
years and from all indication my condition is really deteriorating as my
doctors have confirmed and courageously advised me that I may not
live beyond 4 weeks from now for the reason that the tumor has reached
a critical stage which has defiled all forms of medical treatment.


Since my days are numbered, I’ve decided willingly to fulfill my
long-time vow to donate to the less privileged in at least 5 poorest
countries around the world, the sum of ($18.5M). I have tried to
handle this project by myself when I get better but I have seen that
my health could not allow me to do so anymore. If you are interested in
running a charity project for the interest of the poor I will like you to
introduce yourself to me including your identity card and your project
opinion. And I will introduce you to my account officer for the transfer.


Best Regards!
Mrs Elizabeth Edwards.

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