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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: "Kellychambers" <kellychambers@cooltoad.com>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2007 15:29:19 +0100
Subject: INVESTMENT PLAN

Dear Friend,

I am Barrister Tony Richards. I am reaching you in
regards to the handling of an investment portfolio.

I am soliciting your assistance in repatriating this funds
and property left behind by my late client who died on the
25th of July 2000,ref:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/859479.stm before
it is been confiscated by the government and declared
unserviceble by the bank where the huge deposit is lodged.

My Client, a German property magnate died intestate and
every attempt to trace any member of his family has proved
unsuccessful and abortive.
Do note that your identity or country of origin does not
matter. I will give you more information upon your response.

You should respond by sending the following;

1. Your full names
2. Tel & fax numbers
3. Complete Address
4.Your occupation

I humbly look forward to your soonest response through my
private E-mail:tonyrichards@inbox.com

Yours Faithfully,

Tony Richards Esq.
London, U.K.

Anti-fraud resources: