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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "UN-UK PAYMENT CENTRE" <officefille@yahoo.cn>
Date: Wed, 23 May 2012 12:38:58 +0100 (WAT)
Subject: Congratulations in Advance...

UN-UK PAYMENT CENTER
Queens Drive Lane,
London E14 5HP.United Kingdom

Sir,

RE: YOUR OVER-DUE FLOATING FUND OF US$7.8MILLION PAYMENT

Your Payment file has just been reviewed for immediate payment, you have
been enlisted for settlement of your over-due fund.

If you are interested in this claim, then you shall reply stating your
readiness, you will need to endorse the final release Order to avoid
wrongful claim/transfer.

We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences the undue delay may have
caused you. Please, do confirm your willingness and readiness to claim
your fund. The funds are ready and the payment officers are waiting.
Accept our apology.

We await your prompt compliance to serve you best.

Congratulations in Advance!!

Sincerely,

Ms. Mercy Adams
Payment Secretary.


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