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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: "OBRAH" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <obrahcharles@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:19:00 -0800
Subject: MOST URGENT


Dear Friend,

Re: Transfer of ($15,500.000.00).Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars We want to transfer to overseas ($15,500.000.00). Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars from LA CAIXA BANK MADRID SPAIN.I AM CHARLES OBRAH, FIDUCIARY AGENT TO LA CAIXA BANK. I would like, if you will be capable and fit to provide either an existing Bank account.As long as you will remain honest to me till the end of this important business transaction.Kindly get back to us immediately to enable you come to spain and sign the release papers before the office close for the year.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

God bless you

Wait to hear from you soon

Regards,
Charles Obrah

Anti-fraud resources: