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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: "Ms. Joy Elona" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <westernunionp17@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2024 03:56:22 -0700
Subject: CONTACT THEM IMMEDIATELY FOR YOUR PAYMENT

Attention beneficiaries,
 
Following our final meeting this morning with the United Nations and the IMF, we have decided to release your outstanding inheritance payment of EUR €2,700,000.00. We have initiated your payment in the amount of (€2,700,000.00) Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Euros, will be sent to you via Western Union transfer.
 
However, the maximum amount you will receive daily starting today is €5,100.00 per day until the funds are fully transferred to you.
Please contact the Western Union Director's Office with your full name, address and telephone number.
 
Call Mr. Terry Young
Email address: westernunionp17@gmail.com
Tel: +256706392747
 
Please don't forget to inform me once you receive your payment. Also ask them how much the activation fee will cost you.
 
Best regards.
Ms. Joy Elona

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