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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: "Interswitch MasterCardX" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <innterswitchatm2@symbirocks.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Dec 2010 19:55:52 -0800
Subject: YOUR ATM CARD IS READY

Dear Beneficiary,

This is to officially notify you that your fund has been duly approved for immediate payment to you via ATM Master Card.However, it is our pleasure to inform you that your ATM Card Valued at $1.5M has been upgraded in your favor.
You are advised to respond immediately with the under listed information's for clarity, avoidance of error and further directions on how to receive your ATM Master Card:

FULL NAME,
DETAILED PHYSICAL ADDRESS,
PHONE NUMBERS,
OCCUPATION,
AGE.

Take note: No money is required from you up front.

Thank you.
Regards,

James Williams.

Anti-fraud resources: