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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: TONY BENSON <sgt.tonybenson@att.net>
Reply-To: tony_benson01264@yahoo.co.id
Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:02:13 -0800 (PST)
Subject: FROM TONY BENSON

















 HI
I am an American soldier, In foreign service with the Third infantry Division in Iraq, I and my superior moved part of discovered funds belonging to fleeing regime leaders in Iraq, the total amount is $25,000,000.00 US dollars.
 
This money is being kept safe in a secured location we would disclose to you later.You can go through this web link to understand events that took place in Iraq.
 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm
 
Basically, since we are in government service and we are not allowed to have or keep discovered looted funds around us, we have decided to look for someone to help us relocate and keep this funds for us, that is why I have contacted you, so that you can keep it

for us in your safe account or custody until we complete our foreign service in Iraq.
You will take30%, while 70% will be for me and my partner.This business is confidential, and it should not be discussed with anyone. There is no risk involved whatsoever as it is only me and my partner that knows the present location of the money.
 
If you are interested I will send you operational details, my job is to find a good partner that we can trust and that will assist us. Can I trust you? To ensure confidentiality, when you receive this letter,kindly reply me via e-mail:signifying your interest including your phone and fax numbers for quick communication and also your physical locational address.
 
Respectfully,
Sgt Tony Benson
tony_benson01264@yahoo.co.id

Anti-fraud resources: