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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: "anthony smith" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:18:47 +0100
Subject: ATTENTION NEEDED

From Desk of: Mr. Anthony smith
The Secretary-General
Anthony.smith@rediff.com
World Bank Group, London, UK
Ref:FOS4461YBB2

Dear Sir/Madam

RE-RELEASE OF YOUR FUND.

I am Mr. Anthony smith, Bill and Exchange Manager/ Secretary General, Head of the World Bank Finance Group, London Branch, set up to fight against scam and fraudulent activities worldwide. This Group is responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities (banks) worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay.

You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, the World Bank Group has mandated that your fund should be release immediately The sum of Nine Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars has been approved in your favor via my desk. I therefore wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter.

Please re-confirm to us the following:

1. Full Name
2. Address
3. Age
4. Occupation
5. Direct Telephone Numbers


Thanks for Your Cooperation.

Mr. Anthony smith
Anthony.smith@rediff.com
World bank HQ
London
CITY

Anti-fraud resources: