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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: George Williams <gwgwilliams4@gmail.com>
Reply-To: georgewilliams221@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2012 19:53:55 +0100
Subject: New Message,

Dear friend,

This is a personal email directed to you for your personal perusal
only and I request that it be treated as such for our mutual benefits.
I have decided to approach you personally as I am counting on your
sense of confidentiality, as it is my desire that you keep this
business to yourself. At the moment, I'm compelled not to issue more
details about this transaction as I am yet to know you, until you
provide me with detailed information about yourself.

Let me crave your indulgence to solicit for your co-operation in a
business opportunity as I am establishing a direct communication with
you for your assistance in a business transaction involving $7,750,000
USD (Seven million, seven hundred and fifty thousand US dollars). In
view of this, I and my colleagues are determined to work out this deal
with you if you can handle this transaction maturely.

However, we have been disappointed last year by a Briton in the person
of Mr. David Robert Alder, whom we trusted with a transaction of this
nature. He is presently sitting on our own share of the money for no
apparent reason, though we still believe that good people like you
still exist in this world and we are willing to try again with someone
else.

Meanwhile, we have reached a compromise to transfer these fund in
question into a reliable designated bank account of your choice that
will accommodate these fund for our mutual benefits. We have all the
modalities put in place for the successful transfer of these fund
without hitches, all that is required of you is your kind maximum
co-operation. I would be more confident to write you with more details
or discuss it on phone with you.

Due to our past experience, we need your total trust and assurance
that you will release our share to us once you are made aware of the
deposit of these fund in your designated bank account. If you can be
trusted, honest and straight forward throughout the duration of this
transaction, you would stand in to receive the funds as Annual
Investment Proceeds as an Investor and our sharing ratio will be
subject to negotiation. If you are interested, please do not hesitate
to indicate your interest and willingness by providing me with your
full names & details including a workable telephone/cell number to
enable me reach you at all times.

Thank you for your understanding, co-operation and your timely
attention as I look forward to hearing from you. Call me upon receipt
of this email on Tel: +44 702-401-6836 for effective communications.

Yours sincerely,

George Williams Pendered.

12 Maple Close, Ash Vale,
Aldershot, Hampshire. GU12 5JZ
Britain.

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