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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: "Francis Plowden" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <francisplowden55@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:47:52 -0800
Subject: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

UK-SOCA
(FUNDS RECOVERY & DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE)
PO Box 8000
London
SE11 5EN
Date: November 21st, 2012

To: Dear Accredited Benificiary,

We believe this notification meets you in a very good present state of mind and health.
This communique serves to bring to your kindest knowledge on the unilateral resolution and Memorandum of Understanding signed with the World Bank Authority and the International Monetary Agencies.
The resolution was basically on the fight against internet fraud, corruption among some bank and government officials, and most especially issues of Transfer Supporting Approval; that has been delaying initiating prompt transfer of fund in West Africa countries and United Kingdom.
In view of this; series of investigation was been carried out in some of the reported banks and security companies in Nigeria, Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana and their affiliate centers in Europe, Asia and United Kingdom. On going through this process several outstanding funds such as CONTRACT/INHERITANCE FUNDS, COMPENSATIONS AND WINNING PAYMENTS was recovered of which yours is among, after a detailed review of your file.

I am by this authority, informing you that a first part payment of $900,000.00 USD and additional compensation payment of $50,000.00 USD from government immunity funds, making a total of $950,000.00 USD has been lawfully approved to be paid to you.
Kindly confirm receipt of this email on time, and provide us with your information as stated below for recognition and processing of this payment to you:

1) Your Names and residential Address,
2) Cell Phone Contact Number,
3) Present Occupation/Position and any copy of your official identification (if any).

Congratulations in advance!

Yours Faithfully,
Francis Plowden:
Director Email: francisplowden55@yahoo.com
Important Information

The information contained within this e-mail was prepared as at 21/11/2012 and believed to be correct and not misleading as at that date, however, it should not be assumed to be correct at any subsequent date.

Anti-fraud resources: