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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: "Atm Visa Card" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <diplomatic_agent02@e-mail.ua>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:23:42 -0500
Subject: Urgent Reply//

Greeting To You Dear Value Customer!!!!
We Inform You That Your Atm Card of $1.5million United State Dollars HaveBeen Released From The Custom Office United State Your Urgent Reply Is Highly Needed With The Payment Of $35 For Your Atm Will Be Delivery To
Your Home Address
Receiver's Name..... Charles James
Country.....Benin
Republic
City....Cotonou
Text Question...when?
Answer.....Now
SMS fromTel No: 347) 878-0473 EMAIL: (atm@atmcardservices.com)

Thanks
Best Regard:
Atm Visa Card Service Centre

Anti-fraud resources: