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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: Mark Ramson <sbc5@btinternet.com>
Reply-To: s.jones@w.cn
Date: Fri, 9 Apr 2010 12:18:01 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: YOUR COMPENSATION 2010!




This Letter is from Auditor's Office,Ministry of Finance for Presidential Board on Annual Special Compensation Sheme,Federal Republic of Benin.
 
I'm pleased to inform you that after due presidential board meeting on government's annual special compensation scheme in the sum of [ USD$2.5M ] Two Million Five Hundred Thousand USA Dollars,you have been approved the beneficiary for the year 2010.
 
Also a bank Cheque of [ $2,500.000.00 ] has been drawn and is available for you,therefore forward your complete contact information & phone for delivery and verification exercise via [ s.jones@w.cn ]to Mr.Samuel Jones soon.
 
Thank You,
Mark Ramson

Anti-fraud resources: