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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.Greg Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <westernunion177@rocketmail.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:52:20 +0200
Subject: BRITISH INSURANCE LIMITED

Payment Update

Sir/Madam,

On behalf of the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) in affiliation with Western Union Campaign for Global Economic Crisis eradication, we wish to notify you that your E-mail Address has won (1.8 Million Dollars).

For security reasons and to avoid misappropriation of funds, proper verifications must be carried out before the fund is transferred. We require the details below for verification so that the transfer can be carried out.

(1)Your Name:----------------
(2)Your Country:------------
(3)Tel:--------------------
(4)Age:---------------------
(5)Sex:--------------
(6) Occupation---------

Send the above details to us via the email addresses stated below:

Western Union District Manager (Mr.Greg Smith)
Website: www.westernunion.com
E-mail: westernunion177@rocketmail.com
Tel: +27820445552

As soon as these details are received and verified, the fund will be transferred to you.

Thanks and God Bless,
Mrs. Roberto Anna
Organization Dept

Anti-fraud resources: