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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: Grace Brent <gracebrent@hotmail.com>
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 01:31:15 +0200
Subject: URGENT !!!

--
My Dear,

My Dear one, My name is Mrs Grace Brent, this is a confidential mail and i
will like to give you reason on why i made this donation under your care. I
have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer, It has defied all forms of
medical treatment, and
Right now, I have only few months to live and I want you to
use this Money six million usd($6 million usd) to charities home as my
promise to God.

i am given you 40% for you and your family. I will give you more details on
how to get the money. Reply me on my private email id here (
gracebrent@hotmail.com)
yours truly

Mrs Brent

Anti-fraud resources: