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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: "David Mosley"<sec_sharon@att.net>
Reply-To: <david.mosley@fastservice.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:54:27 +0100
Subject: Attention:

Attention:
 
I am Mr David Mosley. I work with Standard Bank, a Global financial institution.I am the Head Economist of the Bank.
 
My colleagues and I are conducting a standard process investigation involving my client who shares the same Last name with you, and also the circumstances surrounding the domiciled estate made with our bank. Our client as the subject matter died intestate with his only daughter and nominated no next of kin to inherit this Funds valued at USD$ 18 Million Dollars. The essence of this communication with you is that you kindly assist me on three questions:
 
1-Are you aware of any relative/relation having the same surname, whose great grand parents emigrated from your country a long time ago?
 
2-Are you aware of any investment with Standard Bank of substantial value made by such an individual with the same last name as yours?
 
3-Being the account/portfolio manager to the deceased would you be able to receive this funds contrary to the above questions if we legally present you to our bank, with our official capability, providing all legal backup documentations beyond all reasonable doubt, to assume status of a heir to the deceased as a relative, based on your same last name?
 
It is important that you inform me of your interest on this matter that we may come to an understanding as a team to put an end to this inquiry. Do reply your interest in this matter to my private email (david.mosley@fastservice.com) as i will be out of the office on an official matter for several days.
 
Mr David Mosley.
david.mosley@fastservice.com

Anti-fraud resources: