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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: "Egg Bank Plc" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 08:06:43 -0800
Subject: Your Internet Banking Access is about to expire





Egg online banking


Your Internet Banking Access Is about to expire.

Please note that Your Egg online banking is about to expire
In order for it to remain active, please Use the button below to
Activate and get Unlimited Access on your Internet Banking.

Update Profile


Anti-fraud resources: