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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: International Monetary Fund IMF <drhostmuller-imf@att.net>
Reply-To: dr.host_mullerimf@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 09:43:06 -0800 (PST)
Subject: FROM: INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)


Attention: Beneficiary  
 
It is our enormous pleasure to bring to your knowledge that your payment has been concluded and the payment will be made through International Monetary Fund (IMF). Please kindly view the attached document and get back to us immediately and it is very important.
 
THANKS
 
YOURS SINCERELY,
 
DR. HOST MULLER.
DIRECTOR, INVESTIGATION/OPERATION DEPT
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND (IMF)

Anti-fraud resources: