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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: "" <shanghaitoysinl@yahoo.cn>
Reply-To: shanghaiwonderworld@yahoo.cn
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 09:26:39 -0400
Subject: hi


Attention Counsel:

Please confirm the receipt of this mail due to the urgency of this matter.
After a careful review, we are contacting you to represent our company
Shanghai Toys Imp./Exp.Co.,Ltd (www.shanghaitoys.com ) in Europe , North /
American Region. We have been referred to you by your local state chambers of
commerce. The management of Shanghai Toys Imp./Exp.Co., Ltd requires your
legal representation for our European and North / American delinquent
customers.

We realize that a reputable attorney is required to represent us in our bid
to secure payments on overdue accounts. In order to achieve this objective,
we understand that a proper Attorney/Client Agreement must be entered into by
both parties. This will be done immediately we receive your letter of
acceptance. We will rely on you to advice us on the requirements for a proper
letter of engagement to be reviewed by our Board of Directors. It is our
intention to commence legal proceedings against these delinquent customers as
soon as practicable.

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

Zhang Wu
(Director of finance/sales),
STIEC,139 An Yuan Road Shanghai China
Post Code : 200041.

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