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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: "Mr. Mike Moloi" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <this2010detail00@yahoo.cn>
Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2012 02:03:38 -0600
Subject: THANK you

Greeting,
I lost a client whom you both share same last name five years ago, now
the Large amount of funds(USD17.5 Million) he left behind will be
confiscated if nobody claimed it, i intend to present you as the
beneficiary, If you are interested in this proposal, forward to me your Names,age
phone and nationality for confirmation and more information
Regards,
Mr. Mike

Anti-fraud resources: