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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: Chris Odili <odilichr0@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:37:25 +0100
Subject: Contact me urgently please.

Mr. Chris Odili
Acting Director,
Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council
Lagos - Nigeria

Hi,

I apologize for disturbing you but if I can have your attention, we will
make a fortune out of this.

I have US$12.5 million dollars that my former Director pulled from our Local
Government Council crude oil allocation fund last month for his personal
use. The Director was removed by President Goodluck Jonathan two weeks ago
before he could perfect his plan. However, the said amount is already in the
Council's off-shore account overseas.

I am now the Acting Director and I have the opportunity to transfer the
money to your bank account as if we are purchasing refuse disposal trucks
through you as our agent. I have done such thing before with my friend Mr.
Alex Eni but unfortunately he could not withdraw the money when it entered
his account due to the fact that he gave me a dormant account and we needed
to undergo so many protocols before we could draw this money.

I noticed the problem and quickly recalled the transfer. I have made several
efforts to get in-touch with Alex for the past one week but all in vain and
that is why I have contacted you for assistance. As soon as I have your
attention, I will give you details and also discuss the sharing.

I look forward to your response.

Regards,
Chris Odili.

Anti-fraud resources: