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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 Tony Adams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tony.adams@contractor.net>
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:08:07 -0000
Subject: Read Now!!!!

Attention. As the last quarter of the year is running to an end,we have decided to Complete all contractors payment before the end of this year,to this effect The management of the Central Bank has decided to pay $15million Usdollars, to our Honourable contractors through a means called courier diplomat delivery or bank to bank transfer,this further Explains that your contract funds will be packaged through Courier Company to Be delivered to your doorstep or into your nominated bank account, so kindly Re-confirm this to me. (1)Your Name:- (2) Home Address:- (3)Your Cell Phone mobile number:- (4)Bank Name:- This means is put in place to enable us Meet our target for this year,all the risk involved has been considered. Waiting upon your quickest reply. Help us to serve you better. Mr Tony Adams Central Bank Of Nigeria

Anti-fraud resources: