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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: "MIKE KUHMALO" <kuhmalo_mike@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Reply-To: ntamcrys@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:16:07 +0400
Subject: HELP ME RELOCATE

Dear sir,
accept my greetings. I got your contact over the internet while searching for a partner to help me invest out of my country.
I am Mike Kuhmalo from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I have been working with my Father in his business since I left university, but because of the political situation in my country couple with the strong attachment of my father to the opposition party in my county our stay in the country is very very risky. As a result, we intend to flee the country.
Sir, my mail to you is to seek your partnership in assisting my family invests in your area. Please if you interested in assisting my family, kindly reply to kuhmalo_mike@yahoo.co.uk
Best regards,
Mike Kuhmalo,


Anti-fraud resources: