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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 MARTINS <michael_martins2@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 07:27:32 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: MUTUAL BENEFIT.


From: Barrister Michael Martins,

ATTN: John Kountouriotis,

I am Mr. Michael Martins a lawyer/consultant for an African eminent personal who prefer to remain anonymous. He has shown proofs to me, which I have verified professionally that his claims are true, sincere and accurate, as I wouldn't want my name and career smeared with mud. That he have a certain large sum of money in CASH (USD$15,000,000.00 -fifteen million US Dollars) stashed away in security and finance house in Europe.

My client is a politician; in an asylum, which explains why he prefers to remain anonymous. He have requested that I source for a reliable and capable foreignerto act as his partner, who will help to claim these funds from the security company after which it shall be use for investments as directed by my client with you as the manager.

(Though subject to a close study of feasibility expected to be supplied). The funds areduly protected professionally to avoid any unauthorized tampering or theft. A total of 40% of the total sum has been set-aside for you if you agree to be our partner as
well as a 5%, which is mapped out for all expenses, which might be incurred in the process of claiming the funds from the security company in Europe.

As a lawyer, I am aware of the various similar propositions flying about on the internet and I must confess that I was reluctant to take up this task, but having carried out my investigations and confirmed that it is true, I can confidently tell you that this is no scam. Kindly revert back to me.
If you wish to be a partner with 100% assurance that you will not regret your decision.

Awaiting your prompt response.

Sincerely yours,

BarristerMichael Martins.


























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