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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 Fredo Bruno <fredo_bruno@btinternet.com> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2010 05:41:19 +0900
Subject: compliment of the season

Compliments!
Before I start, I must firstly apologize for this unsolicited proposal to you. I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to starting a relationship, but as time goes on you will realize the need for my action.

My name is Mr.George Clesse, Audit Manager of Bank in London,and account officer to Late Edward Han, who died with his wife and the only daughter in an Automobile crash on the 26th April 2004. Before the death of Late Edward Han, he maintained a fixed deposit account with my Bank based on this discovery, I now seek your permission and support to have you stand in as next of kin to the Late deceased, as all documentations will be carefully worked out by me for the release of the money.
I will b e looking forward to hear from you soon.

Regards,,,
Mr Fredo Bruno





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