419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "affidavit of claim" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "hundred thousand united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: WILLIAM DUDLEY <williamsdudley@av.tc>
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2010 08:32:48 +0000
Subject: =?windows-1256?Q?Attn:_Elme?= =?windows-1256?Q?r_Fudd=3D=3D=3D=3D?=
=?windows-1256?Q?VERY_URGEN?= =?windows-1256?Q?T_UPDATE_F?=
=?windows-1256?Q?OR_YOUR_FU?= =?windows-1256?Q?NDS=FE?=

33 Liberty Street New York,NY 10045-0001, United
States

Fax: 772 619
7798
Tel: 404 652 0663

Our
Ref: FRB/NYUS010

Attn:
Elmer Fudd

We are in
receipt of your email noted with thanks.

Meanwhile
We have put a stop to the efforts that Mrs. Barbara Kleihans has been making to
change beneficiary status of your approved project/inheritance fund Ten million
five hundred thousand united states dollars(US$10,500.000.00 and also made
necessary reports for her to be investigated immediately.Below are her
informations: name: Barbara Kleihans Bank name: Atlantic bank of new
york.Account number: 089714001101.

Secondly,before we can proceed on
your funds transfer you must obtain/secure some legal documents such as
affidavit of claim etc.through the attorney general of new york to enable us
final release your funds.Be informed that we have started processing your
payment file in order to file in for your payment Approval.

However,if
she is not your representative or sent by you, then you are advised to contact
this office immediately reconfirming to us the following details to avoid any
mistake.

1. Full name;
2. Full residential contact address;
3.
Direct telephone number or cell number;
4. Age and current occupation;
5.
Copy of your identification if available;
6. Bank Name/Address of Bank
7.
Account Number:
8. Routing number
9. Swift Code:
10.Account Holder
Name:

Thus,You
will be given further details as soon as we confirm receipt of the above details
and you will also be given you the contact details of STATE OF NEW YORK
ATTORNEY GENERAL to contact them regarding the legal documents covering your
funds.

I await
your prompt response with your contact details to avoid any
mistake

Regards,

Mr William
C.Dudley
President and chief executive officer
Federal Reserve Bank of
New York

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam