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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: "Saul Miguez" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <saulmiguez@e-mail.ua>
Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2014 07:20:23 -0800
Subject: INHERITANCE FUND

Attn: Sir/Madam,
 
I am Mr. Saul Miguez, the Manager in the Department of Accounts Division, Caixa Bank. On December 30th 2002, one of our esteemed clients Mr. Andrew , made a numbered time Fixed) Deposit, for twelve calendar months in my Bank branch. Upon maturity, we sent a usual notice to his forwarding address but got no answer. After a month, we sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his Employees he was aboard the, Boeing 727 Beirut-bound charter Jet which crashed in Benin Republic during takeoff on December 26th 2003, see the below link for more news about the air crash: www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/ On additional enquiry, the Bank discovered that he died without making a WILL and all efforts made to locate any of his extended relatives proved fruitless.
 
On further enquiry, it was discovered that Late Mr. Andrew did not state any next of kin in all his documents, as well as his Certificate of Deposit here at the Bank. The total sum of US$19.5M is still in my bank and the interest is being rolled over with the principal sum at the end of each year. No one would ever come onward to claim this money. In accordance with the Federal Banking Laws and Royal Constitution of Spain, the account would be declared dormant and the proceeds would be transferred to the possession of the Government and Royal Family if nobody applies as the beneficiary to the funds. As a result, I wish to install you as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to the deceased nso that the proceeds of this account can be awarded to you for us to share. Upon your acceptance of this proposition, I will give you comprehensive information on how this business should be accomplished without any hitch.
 
Moreover, we shall employ the services of an Attorney here for the purpose of procuring a letter of probate and to obtain all other important documents in your name for proper documentation and payment approval by my bank. The money would be shared in the ratio of: Fifty percent for me, forty five percent for you and five percent for any arising contingencies during the course of this transaction. I pledged that this venture would be accomplished following all rules and regulations that will protect us from any legal trouble and I will use my influence at the bank to guarantee the successful completion of this transaction. Please be informed that your extreme discretion is required. If this proposition interests you, kindly reply me directly by email and indicate your readiness and willingness to finalize this transaction with me. Equally email me with your full name, your address, year of birth, your contact telephone and fax numbers and profession. Upon receipt of your posi tive response with the requested
 
Thanks as I look forward to your timely and positive reply.
 
Respectfully yours
 
Saul Miguez

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