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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: "AGENT DOUGLAS HARRY" (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:59:01 +0100
Subject: FOLLOW MY INSTRUCTION CAREFULLY

United Nation Offshore Payment Center
Walter Carrigton Crescent,
Ikoyi,Lagos,
Nigeria.
Attn:Beneficiary,
I am Mr.Richard Lewis.I am working with the above mentioned Group in compliance with the agreement we have with the CENTRAL BANK OF  AFRICA to pay your outstanding $1.5m after it was discovered that your fund was routed to be claimed by another unknown persons FROM USA after your file was misplaced they were about to effect the transfer when the central bank director noticed illegal changes and then ordered for immediate stop although the investigation is still going and i shall keep you posted.
I have your file before me and i want you to inform me the best way you want to receive your first payment because it is long overdue for payment. Secondly you are to forward your full name,address ,mobile direct number and occupation to enable us make the changes to your name immediately.
I once again appeal to you to remain calm while i do my best to transfer your funds to your destination account or areas of your choice of payment.
I will need to re-confirm your information once again:
1) YOUR FULL NAME
2) CONTACT ADDRESS:
3) YOUR AGE/OCCUPATION
4) YOUR DIRECT PHONE #/FAX :
5) YOUR I.D CARD
I am waiting for your urgent reply,
Sincerely,
Awaiting to hear  from you
United Nations.
Attorney Richard Lewis(Esq)
imf_securitiesdelivery@ hotmail.com
(UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY GENERAL)
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