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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: "James Walter" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jameswalter@yahoo.cn>
Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2012 21:55:16 +0300
Subject: Relationship Please!!!

Dearest Friend,
 
This is a personal email directed to you for your consideration alone, Irequest that it remain and be treated as such only. My name is James Walter. I am a banker with a Bank here in Nigeria.
 
I have an interesting business proposal for you that will be of immensebenefit to both of us. Although this may be hard for you to believe, westand to gain 10.2 million USD between us in a matter of days. Pleasegrantme the benefit of doubt and hear me out. I need you to signify yourinterestby replying to this email.
 
Most importantly, I will need you to promise to keep whatever you learnfrom me between us even if you decide not to go along with me. I will makemoredetails available to you on receipt of a positive response from you.
 
Warm regards,
James Walter
 

Anti-fraud resources: