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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: "HSBC BANK" (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:57:56 -0700
Subject: YOU HAVE 1 NEW MESSAGE ALERT !

New Page 1

HSBC

Dear Valued Customer,

Important information
New Security Features
YOU HAVE 1 NEW  MESSAGE ALERT !

RESOLUTION CENTRE: Your account is limited! Click to re-activate your account

NOTE: FAILURE CAN RESULT TO ACCOUNT SUSPENSION

THANK YOU FOR USING HSBC INTERNET BANKING.

Want to get more alerts? from HSBC Log on in to Home: personal, business, online, internet, banking and within the Accounts overview page select the "Alerts" tab.

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited. Regulated by the Financial Services Commission © 2010

Anti-fraud resources: