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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: "Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2012 12:16:17 +0100
Subject: Final Payment Update !

New Page 1

 

1st June, 2012

Ref: FMF/DMO/2012/Vol.4.4.819

 

 

Re: Final Payment / Update

 

It has become very disturbing that some people claim to be with the Finance Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, some claim to be the Central Bank Governor which has become a very disturbing issue at the Federal level.

 

In view of this, I am writing you personally concerning your payment which we have secured approval from the World Bank. My resume as former World Bank Director speaks my credibility in making sure your payment is concluded. Therefore, I request you to stop every communication with whoever that claims to be either the Finance Minister or CBN Governor.

 

You are requested to forward the following:

1. Your full banking details

2. Amount

 

I will be having meeting with the Debt Management Office later today which approval for payment will be issued.

 

Your urgent response to this letter is needed.

 

Regards,

Dr. Okonjo Iweala

Finance Minister

 

 

 

Anti-fraud resources: