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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: "kelvin" <kelvinsankoh2001@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 17:38:52 +0000
Subject: I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU

>From : KELVIN SANKOH
Abidjan
Email: kelvinsankoh2001@yahoo.com

ATTN SIR:

compliment of the day to you
I am Kelvin Sankor, the son of the late Fodday Sankor, the
erstwhile leader of Revolutionary United Front (RUF)
and Vice President / Minster of Mines and Energy in
Sierra Leone.
I wish to solicit for your assistance in respect of
twenty-two million US dollars (US$22,000,000) I have
in my possession now. This money was given to me for
keeps by my father on the eve of his arrest by the
government of Sierra Leone. This money, stored in two
trunk boxes were deposited by me in a private security
firm as personal effects in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
since the 15th June 2000.
I am looking for a trustworthy foreign partner who can
help me to invest this money anywhere in the world.
I need assurance from you that you will be faithful.
You are also requested to visit Abidjan for a short
working visit. Then, we can sign one or two binding
papers to cement our relationship.
Sir, I am looking forward to receiving your reply
soon. Any information your desire or any clarification
you wish to make, please, feel free to ask as I am in
a position to give you all that you may need.
Thanks for your anticipated co-operation.
Best regards,
Yours sincerely,
kelvin sankor


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