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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: "Patrick Chan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ptrkwchan@w.cn>
Date: Sun, 15 May 2011 02:06:58 +0200
Subject: URGENT PLEASE

URGENT PLEASE,

I am Mr. Patrick K. W. Chan (Executive Director & Chief financial Officer of Hang Seng Bank Ltd), Hong Kong.

I have a lucrative business proposal of mutual interest to share with you; it involves the transfer of a large sum of money from my bank here in Hong Kong. I got your reference in my search for someone who suits my proposed business relationship. If you are interested in working with me contact me through my private email; (ptrkwchan@yahoo.com.hk) for further details.

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.

Kind Regards,
Mr. Patrick K. W. Chan
E-mail: ptrkwchan@yahoo.com.hk

Anti-fraud resources: