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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: "office live" <officelive@centrum.sk>
Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:23:25 +0100
Subject: BE NEXT OF KIN TO MY LATE CLIENT

Dear Friend,

I am Barrister Alfred Ibru, a personal attorney to the deceased(Engr.Richard) I am compelled to write you this email for the following reason:-The above named person, who is now deceased, in His Will, left  for someone who bears your name his entire Estate and Cash deposit(US$16.522Million).
 
The truth is that, l do not know if you are the beneficiary or not.For two years now, l have tried effortlessly to locate the name on the will without success hence l have contacted you,Can you please get back to me urgently.if you think you are the one or you desire further explanation,get back to me immediately.
 
Do not forget to include your confidential telephone/fax numbers and your full residential address.
 
I look forward hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Barrister Alfred Ibru.

 


Anti-fraud resources: