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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: "Linda Matthews" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <processingunitmloto@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 6 May 2010 06:26:58 -0700
Subject: MAIL...................... goro

1Million United State Dollars has been award to your email ID in the end of the Year Coca Cola Promo.
 
Claim Requirements; Your Info
 
Name:......
Address:.......
Occupation:.....
Phone Number:.....
Age;...............
 
With this information, you are to contact the
George Hill
Payment Processing Director
Email; processingunitmloto@gmail.com
Tel;+44-703-190-0667
 
Congratulations
Happy  Winner
 
Thank you
 
Dr. Mrs Linda Matthews
Organization Committee Chairman
Coca Cola Promo Africa Unit

Anti-fraud resources: