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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: "Mr. Bruce Akin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bruakince@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:19:49 +1100
Subject: Letter

>From the Desk of:
Bruce Akin
Reply me thru this e-mail "brucenakin@aol.com"
I wish to seek your assistance for the transfer of US$25M depository made by a foreign investor (an Oil consultant/contractor) for an investment program that has remained dormant for years in my bank. I discovered that the account holder died without making a WILL on the deposit. I have secured from the probate an ORDER OF MANDAMUS to locate any of deceased beneficiary.
I have made several enquiries to his embassy here in Nigeria to locate any of his Extended relatives which has been unsuccessful. Now the management of the bank has issued a notice to provide the next of kin or they have the account frozen and declared unclaimed. Since I was unsuccessful locating the relatives, I am seeking your cooperation to stand in as next of kin so that we can claim the fund and use it for mutual business investment.
This money cannot be approved to a local bank account holder, thus, that is why I contacted you to fill in. If you do accept my offer stand as next of kin to the fund, proceed will be shared 50%/50% as this is a two-man business deal transaction. Am assuring you a near-risk-free involvement. Your percentage will also be a source of up-liftment. You have absolutely nothing to LOSE in assisting me, instead you have so much to GAIN. Be rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us
I shall provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction upon your acceptance. I need your assistance and co-operation to this reality as I have done my Home-work to fine tune the best way to make the beneficiary of the fund. My position as the branch manager of the bank will be used to advance this deal.
I will like you to provide immediately your full Names and Address, Date of Birth, Occupation, Tel & Fax Numbers so that my lawyer will procure necessary documents and affidavit which will put you in place as the next of kin. The Attorney will draft and carry out the notarization of the WILL and also obtain the necessary documents the probate/administration in your favor for the transfer to your account. All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us seal this deal. I guarantee you that this transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of the law.
I will appreciate your early reply for commencement of business. Contact me for acknowledgment thru this e-mail "brucenakin@aol.com" and whereby you are not interested; please indicate in your reply so that I can seek for the assistance of someone else.
If this proposal is acceptable by you, I expect that you will not take undue advantage of the trust I Will bestow in you. I await your urgent response.
Thanks with great regards.
Bruce Akin
Reply me thru this e-mail "brucenakin@aol.com"

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