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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: "Elder James Usman." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <actuabj@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Nov 2018 13:54:06 +0100
Subject: Re: Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit ACTU

 
 
My name is Elder James Usman,secretary public petitions of Anti-Corruption & Transparency Unit (ACTU) Abuja Nigeria.
 
I wish to inform you that we received certain complaints from the central bank and ministry of foreign affairs today 9th November 2018,we also noticed that your information was part of the names affected in the scheme and we plead that you assist us in steps and instructions that will be taken,in order to ensure that you receive all your sums and approved compensation of US$12.550(Twelve million,five hundred and fifty thousand dollars)accordingly.
 
Lastly,this office will make certain that upon your response to this notice,instructions and necessary guide will be provided to you on how you will receive your sum in full.
 
Thanks.
 
Yours-in-Service,
 
Elder James Usman.
Secretary Department of public petitions.
Anti-Corruption & Transparency Unit (ACTU)
Abuja,Nigeria.

Anti-fraud resources: