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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: "Mr. Peter Simons" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrpetersimons@qq.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 12:39:33 +0200
Subject: YOUR RESPONSE IS NEEDED

Dearest Friend,
 
I am saddened with tears In my eyes. I was recently diagnosed with
complication of the esophageal cancer and was categorically inform
that I have few months to live. Base on this development, I have
decided to WILL my fortune to charity organization and have chosen you
to assist me as the executor of this project.
 
As the executor of this project, you will have to keep 20% of the
below mentioned fund for your assistant in handling this project,
while the remaining 80% goes to orphanage / Charity Organization,
which you have to set up in my name.
 
I grew up as an Orphan and I don't have family member to take over of
my wealth after my death. Hence, the reason I have WILL this fund
($8,000,000.00) to orphanage. I will provide you with other
information, as soon as I hear bank from you.
 
Best Regards,
 
Mr. Peter Simons

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