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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: Western Union <info@westernunion.com>
Reply-To: western_union_harry@w.cn
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:44:26 +0100
Subject: RE:FROM WESTERN UNION

We humbly wish to inform you that we are sending you the total sum of £800,000 GBP that was given to you by the prestigious United Nations In Collaboration with the Eco-Was Grand Donation This Year. As we are mandated to send you your first £12,000GBP through Western Union. send Your name,address,Age,working identity card,country,occupation,phone number for re-verification of identity which will be use for the processing of your first payment of £12,000GBP : Contact Mr. Mr.Harry Bola Of The Western Union Office immediately for the processing of your first payment Of £12,000GBP.

Regards From
Mr.Harry Bola
Contact Phone: +234-8054451524
Office Contact E-mail: western_union_harry@w.cn
Western Union® Customer Service FASTEST WAY TO RECEIVE MONEY WORLD WIDE.

Anti-fraud resources: