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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: tony brown <tonybrown30094@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <tonybrown4017@yahoo.gr>
Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 16:14:05 +0300
Subject: FOR INVESTMENT



Dear Sir,
I am Mr.TONY BROWN, a director in a security company here in South Africa.
Our firm is a security company of high repute with years of outstanding service to the people of Africa especially top government officials and military leaders here in Africa.
Overtime now, there is a particular consignment funds left in our vault in the company in which I now seek your coperation to enable us lay claim on this funds.
I have resolved to contact you through this medium based on business proposal that will be of mutual benefit to both of us. I have not discussed this transaction with anybody because it is of top secret.
If interested, please forward to me your contact telephone numbers to enable us discuss the issue further.

I await your most prompt response.
Yours faithfully.
MR. TONY BROWN

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