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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: "ibrahim abu" <abu@ibrahim-abu.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:18:19 +0000
Subject: From Ibrahim Abu

>From Ibrahim Abu

I received very encouraging information about you and how trustworthy you
are.I am delighted with such useful information.I am interested in a
partnership investment programme with your self/corporation.First permit
me to introduce myself as MR A.IBRAHIM of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria
.I was the minister of social affairs under the administration of late
General SANI ABACHA.Acting in my capacity ,I awarded an irrigation contract
to a portugese firm worth millions of dollars.In the course of the
execution of the project the Portugese firm discovered a collosal amount of
limestone in two of the sites.I collaborated with the firm in a mutual
agreement as regards the proceeds of which I have now received my share of
$55million USD.

As a former minister I cannot introduce or circulate this amount into the
Nigerian banking system considering my provisional status as a former
minister which you must have heard how they are running after Abacha loot
and all those who served under him, my earning then as a serving
minister was less than $8,600 equivalent which is about #900,000 in our
local currency and this was a strict measure in stipulation of the Bureau
of conduct guidelines and regulations for Public/Civil servants.The
above situation prompted my decision to solicit your co-operation to take
the delivery of the funds into your custody from the security company where
this funds was deposited here in my country for this joint proposed
investment you will be entitled to $10.5million USD.

I will arrange all the necessary procedures in ensuring a smooth process for
the funds to get to you.I will also appreciate if you contact me once you
receive this mail via my e-mail address(ibrahim5abu@walla.com) to enable me
give you more details on.This matter requires your urgent
attention,confidentiality and discretion.

Best Regards.

Abu Ibrahim
Minister Of Social Affaires
Federal Republic Of Nigeria



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