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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: FINANCE MINISTRY <coscomarine@cosco.com.sg>
Reply-To: <directemail.ministryoffinance@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2017 16:04:04 +0100
Subject: YOUR PAYMENT

Ministry of Finance
Federal Government of Nigeria
Address:  Plots 745 & 746,
Ahmadu Bello Way, Central Area,
P.M.B 14 Garki, Abuja.
Nigeria
Website: http://www.fmf.gov.ng
Direct Tel:+234 905 229 8402
 
 
 
Dear  Sir,
 
 
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your email.
 
 
I have gone through your payment file and also the recommendation of the FBI to pay your funds
valued US$15 Million.
 
 
I can confirm that you are a true beneficiary and entitled to receive your funds valued US$15 Million.
 
 
You are required to send your bank information, Your Full Names, Address and Telephone Number
which will be used in processing/ transferring your US$15 Million.
 
 
We have decided to pay you directly through the Federal Ministry of Finance.
 
 
The Federal Ministry of Finance now remains the only authority in charge
of your payment so get this information.
 
 
You have my assurance that you will receive your funds and be happy with your family.
 
 
The only thing required before your funds will be transferred into your account is
International Funds Transfer Clearance  Certificate.
 
 
This is the only document needed before your funds valued US$15 Million will be transferred into
your account  in line with United Nations Agreement against Money Laundering,
Terrorism and other Financial Crimes.
 
 
The Cost for this International Funds Transfer Clearance  Certificate is
US$750.
 
 
You are hereby advised to send the  US$750 immediately for the International Funds Transfer
Clearance  Certificate so that this clearance document will be issued on your behalf  and your funds
valued US$15 Million will immediately be transferred into your account.
 
 
Once you send the US$750, the  International Funds Transfer Clearance Certificate will be paid
and issued on your behalf and your funds will be transferred into your account immediately.
 
 
You should send the US$750 through Money Gram or Western Union in the name of  our Cashier:
LUCY MADU, NIGERIA
 
 
You should send this US$750 immediately and get back to me
 
 
             MY GUARANTEE
 
You have my assurance and guarantee that, once you send the US$750, I will  obtain the
Funds Transfer document on your behalf and transfer your funds valued US$15 into your bank
account within two hours.
 
 
FURTHER INSTRUCTION
 
 
Do send the Western Union or Money Gram pick up information of the
US$750 to me as soon as you send it  so that I will instruct our
Cashier LUCY MADU , to pick up the money and bring it to me and
the International Funds Transfer Clearance  Certificate will be issued on your behalf and your funds
will be transferred into your account.
 
 
I await your prompt compliance.
 
 
YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT ME ON THE BELOW EMAIL:
 
directemail.financeminister@gmail.com
 
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Mrs. Kemi Adeosun
Minister of Finance,, Federal Republic of Nigeria

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