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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: "Philip Patrick" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ppatrick014@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2011 08:28:42 +0100
Subject: Hello

Dear Friend,
I know this email may come to you as a surprise, due to the fact that you don't know me neither have we met. My name is Mr. Philip Patrick; I work with one of the banks in Europe. I am contacting you based on properties allocation.
However, my main reason for contacting you is to seek and reach a mutual agreement with you. Thus I'll need your assistance to enable me and my colleagues transfer the sum of US$30 Million (equivalent) which is to be used mostly on Properties.
I will avail you with more details as soon as I hear from you. Please contact me through ppatrick012@hotmail.com
Warmest regards.
Philip Patrick

Anti-fraud resources: