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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: citizenonline2055 <citizenonline2055@gmail.com>
Reply-To: g_williams1129@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:19:15 +0100
Subject: Urgent Information.


*Dear Sir,

Good day to you. I received your mail and I contacted once again because
your name has been tagged on the consignment. No other person can clear the
consignment without your knowledge and this is why I'm writing to inform you
of the latest developments. The consignment can only be cleared in Saudi
Arabia or, in Spain. You have to follow up this business as directed by the
Security Company. Send your mobile number so that I can call you for more
clarification.

I am waiting for your mail.

G.B. WILLIAMS*

Anti-fraud resources: