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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: "Maria Stevens" <maria33201@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 19:59:15 +0100
Subject: Hello (Urgent Enquiry)


My Dear,

Good day to you and hope all is well? I am writing you this email that you
will make up your mind to help me. I am the wife of Late Mr. David Stevens
a farmer in Zimbabwe. The ugly situation in Zimbabwe has made me to
consider relocating overseas and i want to know if you can assist me to
bring in my money and also help me and my children to come over to your
country for investment and my children education ? Please reply urgently
with this E-mail address: 32202maria@sunumail.sn

A prompt response would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mrs. Maria Stevens

Anti-fraud resources: