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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "million united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "louis iyama" <louis_iyama3000@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: loiyama01@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 08 Feb 2006 04:29:46 -0600
Subject: Thanking you in advance for your understanding

I am Lt Colonel Louis Iyama,
The Chief Protocol Officer of
the former late Head of
state of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria
General Sanni Abacha,
who died on the 8th of June 1998.

THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING

I currently have the sum of Fifteen Million United States Dollars USD
$15,000,000:00) cash in vaults under the care of a Security Company out side
Nigeria and I have in my possession, the necessary document for the claims
with a Bank to receive the funds and make transfer to your account if you
are willing to work with me.

The Nigerian Government, under the leadership of the late General's enemy
and political prisoner Obasanjo,has insisted on probing the family's
financial
resources and has recently seized all the known family's funds both home and
abroad with the assistance of Credite Suisse Bank Switzerland.

You can read more about the frozen money by visiting the below websites:

http://people.africadatabase.org/en/profile/1992.html
http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Sani_Abacha
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4124328,00.html
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_22_101/ai_87210843


However, they cannot trace these funds because it was lodged in a security
company and not a bank. I am compelled to diversify this inheritance into
investments of value as an anonymous investor under your supervision if only
you will comply with me.

If you are interested in assisting me, please send me a mail so we can
conclude on the modalities. I am offering you 30% of the total amount for
your kind
assistance and cooperation. Please reply back with all your full names,
contact particulars such as your address, telephone and fax numbers so that
I proceed
with the necessary certificate in your favor.

Kindly, treat as confidential and urgent. Thanking you in advance for your
understanding and expected cooperation.

Have a pleasant day and remain blessed. Expecting to hear from you soon.

Best regards,


Lt Colonel Louis Iyama.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam