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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: "pauline charles" <charleswaspauline@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:18:26 +0100
Subject: STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL


*CONFIDENTIAL AND/OR PREVILEGED MATERIAL. ANY REVIEW, RETRANSMISSION,
DISEMINATION, OR OTHER USE OFF OR TAKING OF ANY ACTION IN RELIANCE UPON THIS
INFORMATION BY PERSONS OR ENTITIES OTHER THAN THE INTENDED RECIPIENT IS
PROHIBITED. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS IN ERROR, PLEASE DESTROY THE COPY.
THANK YOU.*
* *
*Dear Friend,*
* *
* (STRICTLY
CONFIDENTIAL)*
* *
*My name is Mr.Charles Pauline Yengeni a south African citizen I got your
Contact through a personal research. I am the brother to Mr.Tony Yengeni.
Mr Yengeni was the chairman of parliament's in south Africa and the former
chief whip of the ruling political party ANC. My Brother (MR. T. YENGENI),
has as a result of trust and Confidence he has *
* *
*mandated that I search for a Reliable and trustworthy foreign partner, who
Will help receive some funds, which we have in cash Totalling US$35,
000,000.00 (Thirty Five Million United States Dollars) into a personal,
company or any reliable foreign bank account for safe keeping for a Short
period of time, since our family bank accounts Within and outside the
country have all been Frozen by the authorities. I would refer you to these
Websites for further information About my family.*
* *
*1) **http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2756861.stm*<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2756861.stm>
*2)**http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/10/03/safrica.arms/index.html*<http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/10/03/safrica.arms/index.html>
*However we have managed to push the money abroad and it is presently in the
custody of a security company in Dublin. through a diplomatic means it was
the only the money could leaves South Africa. I hope you are trustworthy
and will not sit on the money when you receive it. The total sum will be
shared as follows: 20% for you , 75% For my family , and then the remaining
5% will be used for the reimbursement of all the expenses we will incurre in
the process of this transaction where you*
* *
*will take delivery of the funds, There is no risk involved what so ever
on this transaction, these funds will be received in your favor upon proper
application. If you are interested in this business, please urgently contact
me on these private and confidential e-mail address: Please endeavor to
keep this business confidential.I will be most grateful if you can come
forward and help me so that I will give you more details.*
*Awaiting your urgent reply.*
* *
*Thanks*
* *
*Mr.Charles Pauline.*

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