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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: "Bikom Yetum" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bikomyetum@superposta.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2013 08:16:20 -0000
Subject: HELLO*

I am Mr Bikom Yetum, the director of the accountant in department of EcoBank,I'm writing you about a deal of 3.5 million USD here in Ecobank in Lome Togo,belonging to one of our late client, who shares the same name with you, He died in Jan 2004. You have the absolute authority to claim the fund hence you are a Foreigner. I know this sounds a bit heavy and complex but believe and trust as it is achievable. I will send you full details on how the business will be executed and note that you will get 40% if you agree to help me receive this fund in your country, reply back for more details.
 
Yours faithfully,
Bikom Yetum
 

Anti-fraud resources: