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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: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: tema_keita2@yahoo.ca
Date: Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:51:08 +0000
Subject: Hi Dear


*Miss Tema Keita.
Abidjan. Cote D'Ivoire
West Africa*

*Dearest one,

I am the only Daughter of my late parents Mr.and Mrs. James D Keita. My
father was a highly reputable business magnate who operated in the capital
city of Ivory coast during his days. It is sad to say that he passed away
mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad on the 12th
September 2006. Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to
have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that
time. But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 6yrs old, and
since then my father took me so special. *

*Before his death on September 2006, he called me and informed me that he
has the sum of Five Million, Seven Hundred thousand United State
Dollars.(USD$5,700,000.00)left in fixed deposit account in one of the
leading banks in Africa. He further told me that he deposited the money in
my name, and also gave me all the necessary but legal documents to this fund
with the bank.*
* *
*I am just 22 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know
what to do. Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds
and after the transaction I will come and reside permanently in your country
till such a time that it will be convinient for me to return back home if I
so desire. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result
of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father
actually brought sorrow to my life. I also want to invest the fund under
your care because I am ignorant of business world. I will also want you to
make arrangement for me to come over to your country in order to further my
university education and to secure a residential permit for me in your
country.*
* *
*Moreover , l am willing to offer you 25% of the total sum as compensation
for your assistance in the transfer of this deposit to your country.
Furthermore, you can indicate your option towards assisting me as l believed
that this project would be concluded within seven days you signify interest
to assist me by contacting the bank.
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards. Your
suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to ask these
few questions:*
* *
*1. Can you honestly help me from your heart?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you
after the money is in your account? *
* *
*Please, consider this and get back to me as soon as possible. Immedaitely I
confirm your willingness, I will send to you my Picture and also inform you
more details involved in this matter.*

*Kind Regards,*
*Miss Tema Keita*

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