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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: "maryam abacha" <maryamabacha06@msn.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2005 05:17:54 +0000
Subject: GOOD DAY!!

Dear Friend,

How are you today and business in your country? I am Mrs.Maryam Abacha Wife
to the late military head of state of Nigeria General Sani Abacha.I would
respectfully request that you keep the contents of this mail confidential
and respect the integrity of the information you come by as a result of
this mail.I would like to intimate you with certain informations that I
believe would be of interest to you. I know you would be wondering why I am
writing you with a request such as this but I only urge you to read on.


Due to a travel embargo and security network placed on my family we cannot
travel abroad,and the funds i want to talk to you about is in deposited in
Holland. My late husband before he died deposited $30.3 million US dollars
under my name in a security firm which name is withheld for now,until we
open communication and you confirm that you are willing to assist us.I will
be gratefull if you could represent us at the security company and collect
the funds. This arrangement is known to my son Mustapha alone.We offer you
15% of the entire funds if you accept our proposal.

Upon your response, if favourable, we shall then provide you with more
details and relevant information that will help you get full understanding
of the transaction. I will appreciate it if you send us your full names and
address, confidential telephone for easier communication and consider
carefully if you really want to assist a widow and her son.

Please send your reply mail to my confidential email address:
goldenchildtrust@uk2.net


Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Maryam Abacha


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