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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: "KONAN ESTHER" <k-e233@lycos.com> (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2004 11:08:42 +0000
Subject: HI FROM ABIDJAN

Dear Sir/Madam Compliments of the day !! Please I am sending you this mail based on the fact that I have considered entrusting this transaction in your care. My late parents have deposited Two Million,Three Hundred Thousand Dollars (2,300,000.00USD)in a bank account here in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. I need your urgent assistance (advise) to assimilate this money in your bank account so that you can help me invest this fund. I do intend to offer you 20% of the total sum when this fund has finally reached your account. Kindly reply me through my email address for further explanations. Thanks and God bless you Regards Miss KONAN Esther


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Anti-fraud resources: