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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: Desmond Farley <fdesmondfirstname@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 06:53:56 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Inquiry.


Dear sir/madam,

My name is Desmond Farley, 21yrs old from Republic of Sudan, I escaped death few weeks ago in my country, and I lost my father during the last killing. Please, I just arrived from Republic of Sudan few weeks ago to Accra Ghana, West Africa.  Before my father died he deposited the sum of US$12.5M in a security vault here in Ghana and I am here to claim my inheritance.

Right now I am at a hotel with the documents of the safe my father made with the security company. Now I want you to stand as my partner/beneficiary so I will be able to move this funds to you in your country to enable you assist me invest the money wisely in a viable business in your country or any country of your choice. While I pursue my academic career to become a lawyer.

I will be sending you all details of the safe and funds when I hear again from you.

Regards,
Desmond Farley
+233-54-4568482

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