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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: vania <vania@seplag.pb.gov.br>
Reply-To: payoffice99@aol.com
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2012 22:54:40 -0300
Subject: Attn: Winner

Attn: Winner,

Following the results of our periodic Award/Grant draws concluded this
month, we are pleased to inform you that your email address emerged as one
of the lucky winners in the 2011 online cyber lotto. You have been approved
of a lump sum of $1,000,000.00 USD with coupon/number Ref No.17/324/113. We
strongly recommend your attention to this message by contacting certified
accredited claims agent and verification department with claim information
and procedure of claim below.

Mr. Rene Van Hoffman
Email: payoffice99@aol.com
Tel: +31-684-455-145
Fax: +31-847-375-060
*************************************

Your are required to fulfill as follows;

1. Your full name and address
2. Your telephone number
3. Winning reference number
4. Occupation

Best Regards,

Mrs. Yvonne Zwanette
Lottery Coordinator


Anti-fraud resources: