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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: "Dr. Ralph Godzi" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Dr.Ralph_Godzi@accountant.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:11:13 -0800
Subject: This is the second time we notify you about this!!!



REFF: INSTRUCTION TO CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT WITH THE SUM OF $4,300,000.00 USD.


Sir,

After due vetting and evaluation of your file that was sent to us by the Accountant General in connection with the ministry of finance and Audit, we are compelled to see to the immediate release of your funds valued to be $4,300,000 USD. (USD Four Million Three Hundred Thousand)

We were meant to understand from our findings that you have been paying lots of charges to see to the release of your funds which we foresee to be the work of some corrupt officials and fake individuals.
We advice you stop further dealings with anyone to enable us effect your successful transfer since you already have the required documents.

Do not go through any individual again but through this bank if you really want your fund to reflect in your designated bank account within the next five working days.
Please reconfirm the following

1. Your full name and address:
2. Age and occupation:
3. Marital status:
4. Your private telephone number:

Sincerely
Dr. Ralph Godzi
Head of Foreign Remittance
Intercontinental Bank Plc

Anti-fraud resources: