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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: "Yahoo Account" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <accounts.servicealerts@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:38:19 -0800
Subject: Message From Yahoo Team

Dear Valued Member,
 
Due to the congestion in all Yahoo! Users accounts, Yahoo! is shutting down all inactive accounts. In order to avoid the deactivation of your account, you will have to confirm your e-mail by filling out your Login Info below using the reply button. The personal informations requested are for the safety of your Yahoo!  Account. FILL IN all requested information after you select the reply option and click send.
 
Username:..........................
Password:...........................
Occupation:.................
Date of Birth....................
Country Of Residence: ............................
 
After following the instructions in the sheet, your account will not be interrupted and will continue as normal. Thank you for your usual co-operation. We apologize for any inconvenience.
 
Yahoo! Customer Care
Case Number: 7866290
Issue: Account Update
Contact date: 15-01-2010

Anti-fraud resources: