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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: "NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION" <revwilliams_313@msn.com>
Reply-To: privatebox_nnpc@verizonmail.com
Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:34:14 +0000
Subject: Mutual benefit for both parties.

Good Day.

This mail is not intended to cause any embarrassment in whatever form to you
but i must solicit your confidentiality, i know a proposal of this magnitude
will make anyone apprehensive and worried,but I am assuring you that it is
sent in good faith and will be of mutual benefit for both parties.

I am Rev J.Williams the Director project implementation with the
NigeriaNational Petroleum Corporation based in Lagos.In November 2003, I and
myfriend received gratification of fifteen Million,five Hundred Thousand
U.S. I am Rev J.Williams the Director project implementation with the
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation based in Lagos.In November 2003, I
and my friend received gratification of fifteen Million, five Hundred
Thousand U.S Dollars ($15,500.000.00) from the contract awarded to foreign
firms for the construction and maintenance of 250 Million (LPG) Gas Plant at
WarriRefinery.

Hence the fund is under the custody of Central Bank for payment but due to
the fact that we are not allow to operate foreign account as a civil
servant. I have been mandated by my friend(Engr.Tony Douglas) to seek
assistance of a trustworthy foreign company or an individual who could
help to provide bank account to receive the money for investment without any
hitch.

However, my friend has agreed to will sure 20% of the sum to you, while 5%
is set aside for expenses.Therefore, if this offer acceptable to you, please
indicate your interest by contacting me on my E-mail address for more
documentation and briefing.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards.
Yours sincerely,
Rev J.Williams



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