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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: "REV.DR PAUL WILLIAMS" <centrabankofnigeria45@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: gov_fgn@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:05:38 +0600 (BDT)
Subject:




--
Attn: Sir/Madam



We write to inform you that the Federal Government of Nigeria
incollabration with United Nations has agreed last week to refund US$4.5m
as compensation to every scam victim with immediate effect. Also, to
inform you that we are paying you by bank to bank wire transfer. The
following information is needed from you. Your Name, Private Telephone and
Bank details for urgent transfer to you.

Best Regards
Rev.Dr Paul Williams
Director Payment Monitoring Agency



Anti-fraud resources: