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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: "Patrick C.Koroma" <patricoka@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: patricoka@mail.ru
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 18:43:25 +0000
Subject: Dear respected friend.

Hello,

Compliment of the day to you.I would like to seek your assistance and help to invest in your country.I am particularly interested in properties but your advice on other areas of private sector would be appreciated.I am of the believe that you would be of great help in guiding me to a successful exploration of the investment potential of your country which guarantee good capital returns and financial security.

I am Patrick C. Koroma,my father was minister of solid minerals before he died.We are from the Tongo village in Sierra Leone which is rich in gold and diamond.My late father left me with substantial amount which he deposited with a security company.Further detailed information would be supplied to you for verification if you are interested and respond favorably.I am planning to relocate to your country where i can be better established with my money.I would therefore like you to assist me in every possible way in securing this fund to your country since i intend to live and run my business there.The amount involved is, seven million united states dollars (US$7,000.000 00).I would like you to understand my modesty in imploring for your help which is basically due to my lack of business experience and exposure in your country.

This fund being the basis of my future and business ambition, your friendship, assistance and advice will be immensely appreciated while your effort will be rewarded with 20% percentage of the total fund to you.Please kindly respond and please include your personal telephone and fax numbers.Reply to this mail:patricoka@mail.ru

Best Regards,
Patrick C. Koroma.



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