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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: "Dr. Lee Fui" (may be fake)
Reply-To: < leefuioil@fastmail.net>
Date: Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:39:55 -0500
Subject: BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

Crude oil deals and Investment: I choose to reach you through e-mail, as it is the fastest medium of communication irrespective of the fact that it has been greatly abused. I deem it necessary to introduce you to a lucrative business opportunity. I'm talking of crude oil trading! This is considered as the most legitimate and fastest money making machinery anyone can setup. We can help you get an oil "lifting license". Anyone that owns a “lifting license" from the local National Oil Company is entitled to a $2.00 commission from the oil company on each barrel of crude sold to the buyer and another $1. 00 commission from the buyer. In total, oil lifting license owners receives a $3.00 commission on each barrel of crude sold by the oil company. I will provide more information if you show your interest. Thank you. Dr.Lee

Anti-fraud resources: