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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: Dr Briggs Douglas <dr.briggs_doglas@sify.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:39:34 +0200
Subject: PLEASE, VERY URGENT!!!!

Dear Friend,
 
     Please, this message is a matter of urgency. I am Dr Briggs Douglas, A banker in Islamic development bank here in Burkina Faso. I deemed it vital to transfer the sum of US$10.5 Million into your bank account. I will be coming over to your country for an investment under your care and control.
I only need your honest co-operation to handle this great opportunity. I will offer you 40% while 60% for me. Contact me on my private e-mail address for full details: dr.briggs_doglas@sify.com
 
Best regards.
 
Yours Sincerely,
Dr.Briggs Douglas.

Anti-fraud resources: