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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: Western Union Coordinator <sysomphone@most.gov.la>
Reply-To: "atmofficeauthoriza@foxmail.com" <atmofficeauthoriza@foxmail.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Dec 2015 14:28:45 +0700 (ICT)
Subject: PICK UP YOUR FIRST PAYMENT OF USD$5,000.00



Attention: Customer

We have made the best inquiry and found out that your first payment (#643 432 6454, amount sent: USD$5000) was pressed on-hold by the IMF authority for non-ownership Certificate. And we have verified this certificate to cost you the sum of $55 us dollars only. You will receive your $5000.00 as soon as you send the $55. We shall secure the certificate and forward to IMF for urgent release of your $5000.00 for pick up. Send the $55 as follows

Receiver names... Midokpe Edvige Tovichede
Country...Benin Republic
City... Cotonou
What color..??
Answer...Red

phone number +229 99922562
Mr. Mark Benson
Western Union Coordinator.

Anti-fraud resources: