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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: Catherine Emilio <mrs.catherineemilioo@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 21:38:04 +0000
Subject: Dear friend

I hope this message finds you well. Upon reviewing your profile, I was
inspired by your character and felt compelled to reach out regarding a
business opportunity that could be mutually beneficial. Specifically, I am
seeking a trustworthy individual for a transaction involving an inheritance
claim left behind by the late Mr.Burhan, tragically passed away from
COVID-19 on March 2, 2020, at the age of 71. He left behind a substantial
deposit of $12 million in his account with our firm. Despite his passing,
no one has come forward to claim these funds. The bank's board of directors

has instructed Mr. Burhan's special account officer to locate his next of
kin in order to release the deposit. However, as Mr. Burhan did not specify
a next of kin in his security file with the bank, I am reaching out to you
for assistance. I propose to share the proceeds from this transaction based
on a percentage ratio that I believe will be agreeable to you. Upon
successful completion of the transaction, you will receive 40%, while I
will retain 50%, and 10% will be allocated for any incurred expenses. I
will provide you with further details upon receiving your satisfactory
response via my personal email: (mrs.catherineemilioo@gmail.com)



Best regards,

Mrs. Catherine Emilio

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