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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: Shawn Kelly <mr_shawn_claimsagent@yahoo.dk>
Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 16:57:36 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: RE WINNING NOTIFICATION





Good Day Zaneta Flynn,

As I previously stated in my mail we were giving procedures in which we are to follow in awarding winners thier prize. All you have to do is to send me your details for me to start proccessing your winning. As you can see in my last mail sent to you, you can see that we have records of all are past winners. There is no way your winning can be giving to you without having details of you.
I await your swift response. Once more congratulations!!!

Regards,
Mr Shawn Kelly,
+44 703 185 0553



Anti-fraud resources: