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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: Koffi William <koffi_william_002@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: koffi_william_00@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:04:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Pls Read Carefully ///// Dearest Friend


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: koffi_william_002@yahoo.com



- Dearest Friend, I am writing following the impressive information about your profile through the website your capability and reliability to champion this opportunity.Here in this bank existed a dormant account for the past 8 years which belong to an foreigner who is now late (Mrs.Gloria Dehaan) died on auto accident.This is the story in a nutshell.I seek your consent to present you to the bank as the next of kin to the deceased since you have the same last name and the proceeds of this account can be paid to you before it gets confisicated or declared unserviceable by the bank.It is a careful Deal and for the past eleven months I have worked out everything to ensure a hitch-free operation. The amount is not so much at the time of deposit but with all the accumulated interest the balance in this account stands at-(US$ 5.5 million ).I will use my position and influence to effect legal approvals and onward transfer of this money to your account.Therefore, on receipt of your!
positive response,we shall then discuss the sharing ratio and modalities for transfer which will be executed under legitimate arrangement.Finally,It is my humble prayer that the information as contained herein be accorded the necessary attention,Urgency as well as the secrecy it deserves.I expect your urgent response if you can handle this project. Respectfully Yours,Mr.Koffi William


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