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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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Fraud email example:

From: Michael Foster <dire_opreation@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005 09:21:10 +0100 (BST)
Subject: reminder concerning your prize money


ATTENTION:

This is to bring to your attention that we await your response in respect to your prize money in order for us to proceed and conclude the transfer of your prize money to you.


I await your prompt response later today.


Yours Sincerely,

Mr. Michael Foster,
Directors of Operations,
THUNDERBALL UK LTD,
Thunder-Ball House,
221 Albemarle Street,
London W1S 4BS,
United Kingdom.
email: dire_opreation@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: +44 7040106295
Fax:+44 8701224168.


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Anti-fraud resources: