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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: "JOHN PAUL" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <diplomaticcourierservice1986@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 3 Aug 2013 02:29:03 -0700
Subject: CONGRATULATION TO YOU....??

Attention: Beneficiary
This is to bring to your notice that, the courier company has arrived to your country United States of America to deliver your ATM card loaded $1.5 Million us dollars to your home address, could you please re-confirm your full address details and Full Name both with your phone Number so that you can receive your ATM card in the next 24hours time because your ATM card already arrive to your country.
You are to informed to contact the courier service company direct.
Name: John Paul
E-mail: diplomaticcourierservice1986@gmail.com
Phone number: 452-675-5462
I await your swift reply.
Thanks.
Best Regard,
God bless you.
JOHN PAUL

Anti-fraud resources: