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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: MICHAEL SMITH <kabilan_kannan@yahoo.co.in>
Reply-To: sgt.michael69@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2010 22:25:23 +0530 (IST)
Subject: I Believe I Can Trust You/Friend


 

Hello,
My name is SGT. MICHAEL SMITH, a (STAFF SGT) in the U.S Army presently serving in Afghanistan as a combat instructor.During one of our rescue operation early 2004 in (IRAQ),A consignment was Seized from one of top Saddam Hussein’s aide by my batallion in Bagdad during the war in Iraq,many arms and plenty cash in U.S. dollars and pounds where also discovered.
 
 
It was agreed by Staff Sgt.Kenneth Buff and myself that some part of this money be shared between both of us before informing anybody about it since we both saw the money first, USD$8,000.000(Eight Million US Dollars) was given to me as my own share of the Money,and the rest of it was given to the Iraqian Government and ever since thay have forgetten about the money and the records had been submitted and acknowledged by the New Government, but, I tell you what! No compensation can make up for the risk we have taken with our lives.
 
 
I ceded all the money on a consignment as my personal effect,and is presently with a Delivery company, is now ready to be transported,all necessary procedures and protocols has been duly followed,this is a risk free delivery.As a staff Sergeant on ACTIVE DUTY, i cannot involve in full participation of the delivery, but,am legally permitted to offset the Charges and the delivery expensense of my personal effect, which am very much prepared to do if only you will honestly and truthfull help with me receive the Money upon delivery to your home till am relief of my duty to meet with you soon.
 
But,my Question is 'CAN I TRUST YOU"?.In other words, I'm seeking your kind assistance to move the sum of US$8M to you as far as I can be assured that my share will be safe in your care until I complete my service here in (AFGHANISTAN).Please respond for further details.
 
Email:sgt.michael69@yahoo.com
Sincerely,
SGT.MICHAEL SMITH
 


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