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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: onlinelotto@mchsi.com
Date: Wed, 05 Mar 2008 07:41:19 +0000
Subject: GET IN TOUCH

We happily announce to you about lottery prize won by you as end of the year
promotion excercise.The excercise was done randomly from the World Wide Web
through a computer draw system of individual and companies email address.
Therefore,a prize has been approved and deposited in your favour as the
beneficiary with security file number KIA/724357/CP.
To file for your claim, contact claim agent via below details:
PHIL MENARD ESQ
PHONE + 44 7011151188
Email:barr.philmenard@sify.com
When contact him,include the below information:
YOUR NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL:
TELEPHONE:
COUNTRY:
AGE/SEX:
Congratulations in advance.
FRED JACKSOM
LOTTERY CO-ORDINATOR

Anti-fraud resources: