419 scam: "Smith Nya" <smithnyainfo@gmail.com> My dear good friend

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- smithnyainfo@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Smith Nya" <smithnyainfo@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:03:04 +0600
Subject: My dear good friend

Dear Friend,

I am Mr. Smith Nya an ex-banker and the name of my country is REP OF
BENIN. A family friend MRS.Glory Benson who happens to be the wife of
a late banker and my former boss intimated me on her intention to
invest the sum of $18.5M Dollars Eighteen Thouand Five Million U.S.
Dollars) in a foreign country, being money left for her family by her
late husband who died recently. I advised her to have patience as I
will source for a reliable and trust-worthy investor who can receive,
invest and manage the money very well for her.
I have decided within myself to seek the aid of a foreigner to
actualise this proposition it might be small to you as i do not know
you in person but it will do a lot of good to MRS.Glory Benson and her
children. For fear of privacy i cannot disclose this on my first mail
to you but will like you to respond to me so that we can establish a
means of understanding and communication.

This requires a private arrangement,as you will receive these funds
under legal claims; all legal documents will be carefully worked out
to ensure a risky free claim.
I am willing to pay a generous management fee as well as appreciation
as soon as this transaction is completed.I have all the details,The
funds in question are quite large. I will expect a straight answer
from you. Yes or No.If yes, Kindly furnish me with your personal
information which must include your full information,

1) Your Full Name.
2) Phone, Fax and Mobile #.
3) Home/Company Address.
4) Age/sex
5) Occupation

Please Send me an e-mail as soon as you receive this letter for
further discussion and more clarification.
Thanks and God Bless You.
E-mail smithnyainfo@gmail.com
Mr.Smith Nya

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam