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

Fraud email example:

From: themba dlamini <thembadlamini12@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2006 12:07:38 +0200
Subject: Lucrative Deal


Attention !!!!
My name is Mr Themba Dlamini writing from Swaziland, your info was
reliably
introduced to me I will like to invest in your country but I don't know
anybody that will help me when I come over there that is my reason of
contacting you to know if you will be of assistance.
I have USD18Million dollars to invest in a profitable business in your
country. The money is right now in an bank vault in Europe. If you can
handle it then let me know so that we shall plan/discuss how to move
the
money to you in your country.
10% of the total funds is yours for your involvement which you will
get
when the original funds are in your possession Waiting to hear from you
for
further information.
Best regards,
Mr Themba Dlamini

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