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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: Peter Williams <peterwilliams02@easymail.hu>
Date: Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:21:31 +0200
Subject: Hello Dear,


Hello Dear,
We have release your package all arrangement is made for your bank draft of $2.5 million
that is on hold by LONDON CUSTOM department so we have
release the package now you contact the origin of the package that is.
 
Benin republic custom department for them to sign the form release odder,
 
Here is they information you will use to contact them so do that immediately
ok,
Chief controller Dr Emma Emeka,
Email: custombenininfor2008yahoo.fr
 
You have to send them your contact information for them to send the package
 to your home address.
 
Your Full Name,
Home Address.
Your Cell phone Number
Your Country
Please do that immediately because we have release the package odder by London
government to release all the package is on hold in this department
 ok,
We are sorry for the delay,
Thanks for your understanding
Best Regards
Sign
Chief Controller Mr.Charles John

Anti-fraud resources: