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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: "DEN VINK" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <denvink@qatar.io>
Date: Mon, 7 May 2012 15:47:35 +0200
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Good day,

It is understandable that you might be apprehensive because you do not know me nevertheless, I have a lucrative business proposal
of mutual interest to share with you. I got your reference in my search for someone who suits my proposed business relationship.

I am Den Vink, an Accountant in reputable Bank in the main land Europe. I will need you to assist me in transferring some funds valued at 22,500,000 Euros (Twenty-two million five hundred thousand Euros)
from a bank in Europe to your country. This transaction is legal and risk free. I shall provide you with the account information which will enable you log in online account.

Kindly endeavor to observe utmost discretion in all matters, and please NOTE: I am not looking for TRUST BREAKER, but a co-confidant, please.

I shall furnish you with more information as soon as I receive a positive response from you.

Kind regards,

Den Vink.

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