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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: "Melissa Crawford" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <m.crawfordmelissa@aol.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 20:57:16 +0100
Subject: YOUR VISA CARD READY

Dear Sir/Madam,

Once again, this is to remind you that a VISA CARD No. 4083 0521 0025 0089 valued at $4.8 Million United States Dollars have been accredited in your favor. Please reconfirm Full Name: Delivery Address: Phone Number: Country: Sex:

Note: Upon confirmation of correct information of recipient your Visa Card will be dispatched immediately. You will be responsible for cost of Visa Card delivery as receipt of delivery paid by you will be attached to the card for confirmation purpose.

Yours Sincerely,
Melissa Crawford (Mrs)
West African Regional Director

Anti-fraud resources: