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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: "Alert@hsbcbank.co.uk" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2012 16:30:37 -0500
Subject: URGENT


Dear HSBC Bank Customer,

We just need a few details

for security reason,you are required to update your online banking security before you can continue using
your card.

And upon verification, we will remove any restrictions placed on your account.

Please enter your date of birth, account details and card number.
You'll also need your telephone security number.

To do this,please follow the instruction bellow.

* Click on the attachement and follow the instruction
* Update your online banking details
* Confirm Update


However, Failure to do so may result in temporary account suspension.
Please understand that this is a security measure intended to help protect you and your account.

Regards,


Andy Cole


HSBC BANK PLC : Security Team.


Please do not reply to this e-mail as this is only a notification.
Mail sent to this address cannot be answered.

Anti-fraud resources: