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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: "Mr.James R Barnes" <nmagoodrich@verizon.net>
Reply-To: west_union@w.cn
Date: Thu, 4 Mar 2010 15:05:27 -0800 (PST)
Subject: YOUR FIRST PAYMENT IS READY


YOUR FIRST PAYMENT IS READY
Attention beneficiary,
 
we have concluded to effect your payment through western union $5,000.Daily until the total of $850,000.00 is completely transfered. The Western union Agent: is Mr.Eric Colle TEL+22998634048 E-mail: ( west_union@w.cn )
Once again forward to him your full information that is below-
 
1)Full Name,
2)Telephone number
3)Country address
4)A copy of your pass-port 
5)Age
6)Occupation
Money sent Though,BEDE AJANA amount sent $5,000.00 in your name today So contact and tell him to give you the mtcn, sender name and question / answer to pick the $5,00But you will also send the tax clearance of $145usd pls contact them ASAP to send you the pick up information.
 
Thanks,
Mr.James R Barnes.
 

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