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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: "Federal Ministry of Finance" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <paulfoy@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:40:27 +0100
Subject: Payment Approval.

Sir,

Owing to your ordeal in getting your fund of $15.5 Million United States dollars transferred to your nominated bank, we have agreed to make transfer on 31st of August, 2009 by wire transfer. However, you are advice to forward your banking coordinates and telephone numbers to us so that we can make transfer.


Thank you for understanding and we apologize for what you might have passed through in getting your fund transferred.

Finally, you should seize communication with whosoever that claimed to be in possession of your inheritance. A waiver has been issued in respect to this and you are advised to contact Rev. Philip Agu for immediate procurement of the waiver form and release of
your claim as stated below;

Rev. Philip Agu
Office of the Presidency Aso Rock Abuja
Email: philipagu35@yahoo.com.hk
Tel: +234 1 763 2859


Contact him immediately for the release of the funds on the said date.

Yours truly,

Dr.Paul Foy
Director of Finance for Minister of Finance.


Anti-fraud resources: