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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: "Maxwell Smith" <maxwellsmith_003@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 15:35:49 +0200
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS SUPPORT!!!

 
 
DEAR SIR/MADAM,

My name is MAXWELL SMITH, the son of LATE MR. JONATHAN SMITH of Zimbabwe. It might be a surprise to you how I got your contact address, don’t be worried because I am contacting you in good faith.

During the current crisis against the farmers in Zimbabwe by the supporters of our President, ROBERT MUGABE to claim all the white owned farms in our country, he ordered all the white farmers to surrender their farms and possessions to his party members and their followers.

My father was one of the best farmers in the country and knowing that he did not support the President political ideology, the president supporters invaded my father's farm and burnt down everything, killed him and confiscated all his investments. I was studying overseas when my father died and I was forced to abandon my studies and return back home for his funeral. After the funeral my mother notified me about my father's Will.

When I was going through the will, I discovered that my late father had used his position then to make some money, which he brilliantly transferred and deposited it with a private Security Company here in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa. He deposited this consignment as family valuable Treasures. The Security Company does not know that this consignment contains cash money except me and the rest of my family. The amount is TWENTY FIVE MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS (USD 25 MILLION). However, my aim of contacting you is to help me and take this sum into your nominated account in your country or any other part of the world.

Secondly, you will also help us to look for a profitable investment overseas because I don't have knowledge of International investments. As a result of my present situation, I won't be able to conclude this transaction alone. After the death of my father, my mother and I with my younger sister decided to move out of Zimbabwe for the safety of our lives to the Republic of South Africa. Because of our present status (Political Refugees), my mother and I are seriously looking forward to having an overseas partner that will assist us with the convenient and legal transfer of the funds out of Republic South Africa.

If my proposition is considered, for assisting us to transfer this money to your country, we will offer you 20% of the total fund, and 5% of the total will be set aside to cover any expenses incurred during this transaction. 75% will be for my family to invest in your country under your supervision.

For detailed information you can contact me on my Private number or email me.

Tele: 27-78-128-6275

Email: maxwellsmith_003@hotmail.com

I would appreciate confidentiality and honesty in our correspondence.

Your immediate response will highly welcome.

Best Regards,
MAXWELL SMITH.


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