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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: Tony <tonybaprivate@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:35:37 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam


How are you together with your family? after our middle year auditing meeting last week i discover some thing which i will like us to think and work together to achieve , Do accept my sincere apologies if my confidential message does not meet your personal ethics,As the world is defined as a global village,I don't want you to get this message as a surprise but as an opportunity that will put smile on your face. With due respect I propose business to you, to make it brief I want to transfer $3.8 million United state dollars into your bank account.The fund belong to our deceased customer who died with his entire family in Syria war, through the attack of Syria Rebel against President Bashar Hafez al-Assad.leaving nobody for the claim and as such, I decided to contact you as to enable us claim the fund. 50% of this fund will be for you and 50% for me. Hit reply on this e-mail  to Contact me only if you are interested in this business and for more details.
I am assuring you that the transaction is 100% Risk Free,
Sincerely,
Mr.Tony
Head,Audit & compliance

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