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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: "Tarian Sharp" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <teriansharp@inmail24.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:17:21 -0500
Subject: From Tarian sharp (ESQ)

Dear Friend
This is my second letter to you, once more my name is Terian sharp, I received a letter from a security company here in Spain requesting for the next of kin to my deceased client. The Letter stated that he made fixed deposit of some certain amount of money last three years before his death. The security company is aware of his death though he was not married neither did he leave a "WILL" nor pacified next of kin, the security company is anticipating someone with the same surname to come along for claims. As it is, no one can put up claims except someone with the same surname and specifically referred from my office. All efforts to get his family relatives have been abortive. I solicit that you allow me introduce you as his relat ive based on the fact that you ha
Kindly let me know if you are interested so that I can give you further details and certain other documents to enable you contact the security company for release of the funds to you. I have spoken with the manager of the company on this matter extensively and he is waiting for your introduction to the security company according to his directives.
All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law and will brief you more on the details upon your response. Furthermore you should endeavor to include the following information.
1; Your direct telephone..
2; Your age
3; Contact address
4; Gender as well as your occupation
Thanks,
Terian sharp (ESQ)

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