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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: "BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION" <smthmary46@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <britishhighcommissions84@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2013 05:41:23 -0400
Subject: BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District, West Africa
TEL: 234-70-3382-44
 
 
Attention:
The BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria,Benin Republic,Togo, Ghana and Bokinafaso received a report of scam against you and other British/US citizens and London and Malaysia Etc. whom the country of Nigeria/Benin,Togo, Bokinafaso And Ghana have recompensed you due to meeting held with Five countries Government and the world high commissions against fraud activities by the Four country Citizens.
Your name was among those scammed as listed by the West Africa Financial Intelligent Unit (WAFIU). A re-compensation has been issued out in Certified Bank Drafts $1,200.000.00 to all the affected victims and has been already in distribution to all the bearers. Your draft was among those that was reported undelivered Today  and we wish to advise you to see to the instructions of the Committee to make sure you receives your draft of $1,200.000.00 immediately for your depositing into your account.
WAFIU further told us that the use of London Bank and the Togo was abolished due to interception activities noticed in the above mentioned courier services in Togo Benin,Nigeria and Ghana, London and thereby have made a concrete arrangement with the Dhl Courier Company here in Nigeria for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the demand of the conveyance.
We advise that you do the needful to make sure the WAFIU dispatches your compensate fund by tomorrow as soon as possible.You are assured of the safety of your draft and availability and be advised that you should stop further contacts with all the fake lawyers and security companies who in collaboration scammed you. Call me at: 234-70-3382-44 or email us back immediately to check if the delivery date suits you.
 
Yours in Service,
Mr. Richard Gozney.
CONSULER Phone: +234-70-3382-44
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONS
 

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