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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: "David Estrada" <davidestrada@jmail.co.za>
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2005 14:34:15 -1200
Subject: Assistant from iraq.

From: Sgt. David Estrada
Important Message

Good day to you

My name is David Estrada, I am an American soldier, i am
serving in the military of the 3rd Infantry Division in
Iraq, we have just been posted to leave Iraq and go back to
US. I am now in Kuwait at the mean time, I and my superior
moved funds seized from Saddam Hussein, the total is
$25,000,000.00 (Twenty Five million US dollars) this money
is being kept safe in a security company.

Basically since we are working for the government we cannot
keep these funds, but we want to transfer and move the funds
to you, so that you can keep it for us in your safe account
or an offshore account. We will divide the total funds in
three ways, since we are three that is involved. This means
that you will take 30%, I will take 30%, and my superior
will take 30%. 10% will be kept aside for expenses.No
strings
attached. it should not be discussed with anyone.Just help
us move it out of iraq, iraq is a warzone. When you receive
this letter, kindly send me an e-mail signifying your
interest including contact details and your most
confidential telephone/fax numbers for quick communication.
This business is risk free. The funds can be shipped out in
48hrs to you if you are ready.

Respectfully submitted.

Sgt. David Estrada.

Anti-fraud resources: