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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: Barrister Frank Ben <barristerfrankben_nig23401@yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:35:32 +0200
Subject: Attn: Dear Diamond,


Attn: Dear Diamond,

I am Barrister Frank Ben an attorney at law. I got your contact information from a close friend who works with our country commission in your country. Although, I did not disclose my reason for needing the contact of a reputable citizen of your country to my friend in the course of my inquiry.. I have at present a mutual business offer that will profit your good self and me immensely, I am personal attorney to my late Mr.Robert Diamond client who came from your country and also was a crude oil broker here in Nigeria.

On the 4th of January 2005,Mr.Robert Diamond,his wife and their children were involved in a fatal car accident that claimed their lives. Since then I have made several inquiries through embassy to locate any of my late client relatives which proved unsuccessful. After all my attempts, I decided to present you to the bank as the next of kin to late my late cleint Mr.Robert Diamond since you bear the same last name with him.

The amount to be release to you is 30.million Dollars in into your account for two of us if you agree on my terms, 50% is for you, and 45% comes to me while 5% is for any expenses. We will proceed to execute this business immediately I have your consent and trust.
If this interest you, kindly get back to me through my direct and Official email address: barristerfrankben@yahoo.com

Waiting for your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Barrister Frank Ben. --

Anti-fraud resources: