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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: "Mrs. Georgina Willard" <georgina_willard@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:20:37 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Dear Beloved


Dear Beloved

I am Mrs. Georgina Willard, a widow of 73years, suffering from cancer of the breast, my husband and my only son died in and auto Car Accident 2yrs back in UK.

My condition is serious and according to my doctor, it is obvious that I might not survive.I have some funds that my late husband WILLED to me in cash; the sum of US$8,900,000.00 United States of American Dollars.

I packaged it in consignments and deposited it with a finance house. After my prayers, I searched a site in the internet, I found your email address and I decided to contact you for the usage of the funds in the work of God.Therefore, if you are honest and faithful enough to use this fund strictly for the work, your response will be highly appreciated.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Georgina Willard.

Anti-fraud resources: