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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: "ERWIN DOUGLAS(MR)" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <erwindouglas1@live.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 22:16:47 -0000
Subject: Pls.Confirm Receipt

Good day,

I am Mr. Erwin Douglas, a staff of Amalgamated Bank of South Africa (ABSA).You share the same last name with a late client of mine who made a deposit with my bank, the reason for this mail. I have a secured business plan for you.

Should you be interested, do kindly reach me with your full names, phone and fax numbers, for me to provide you with details.

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,
Erwin Douglas


Anti-fraud resources: