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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: "Scott David" <scottdavid1101@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:06:49 +0100
Subject: PLEASE REACH ME AFTER READING THIS MAIL


Hello friend,

I am Scott David the son of late Mr. Fredrick David, who was a big White
farmer in Zimbabwe killed mid April and farm confiscated by the so called
war vetarians who said my father's supported the opposition party
(Movement for democratic Change) presumme winner of the first round of the
presidential election in the country.

My mother then with some other white women formed an opposition to fight
for the families of those whose properties were seized. In the process, she
was also killed with some other women by Mugabe's soldiers.

My father before he died, made me to understand that he has some money
which he deposited with a finance house in europe. I have the understanding
that I cannot transfer this funds without having somebody abroad who can
recieve the money in his account.

I and my sister fled to Benin Republic where we are now refugees.

We want you to assist us receive this fund in your account in country. This
transaction is hitch free from any risk as all the documents are with me and
my only sister. If we transfer it here, we will loose our refugee status.

I will forward to you the documents relating to the funds on request.

I have agreed with my sister to give you 20% of the total amount after you
have successfully receive the funds in your country/account.

I will be very grateful if this matter is treated in an urgent manner.

Waiting for your reply soon.

Thanks

Scott David

Anti-fraud resources: