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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: "mariam_bangura@cantv.net" <mariam_bangura@cantv.net>
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:43:09 -0430
Subject: Hello Dear,i need your sincere help

Hello Dear,

Due to the death of my Father, I have been thrown into a state of  hopelessness by the present administration.I have lost confidence with  anybody within my country. I got your contacts through personal research, and had to reach you  through this medium.

I will give you more details when you reply. Due to security network  placed on my daily affairs I cant visit the embassy so that is why I  have contacted you. My Father deposited $12.6million dollars with one of the 
british bank abroad whose name is witheld for now till we communicate and i know your seriousness to assist me.

I will be happy if you can receive this funds and keep it safe. I will need your telephone/mobile numbers so that we can commence communication.I await your urgent response.

Yours truly,
Miss Mariam

Anti-fraud resources: