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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: "Anthony Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <anthonywilliams@indiatimes.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:18:30 -0700
Subject: Finance your projects or pay debts without sweat ask me how?

Hello friends,
 
Do want to finance a project(s) but do not have the means or collateral to obtain fund for it?
Are you indebted to someone or firm or bank and the lender is on your neck for you to pay back?
Are you trustworthy and resides within United Kingdom and can handle huge some of money? Then you are on your way to a good life with me and my partners.
Reply and get the full details later. No collateral, no string attached, we go straight to business. Ask me how?
  (This message is for United Kingdom residents only please)
Sincerely,
Williams A. A.

Anti-fraud resources: