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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: "Western Union" <info@mail.com>
Reply-To: jasoncallahan1975@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 25 May 2014 05:48:05 -0500
Subject: URGENT FROM WESTERN UNION

Attention: Western Union Beneficiary

This is to officially notify you that your name has been selected as
one of the Beneficiaries of 2014 western union draw winning programme.
Your e-mail Address was randomly chosen by the Topaz Ballot System.
You have been awarded the sum of $1,500,000USD, one million five
hundred thousand united states dollars by Western Union in its
on-going Social Responsibility Cash Aid Programme. This amount is to
be paid to you via the Daily Limit Payment of $5000 USD.

Do confirm your details.
Your Full Name:
Home Address:
Telephone Number:
Sex/Age:
Occupation:
Country:
You can reach Me on Tel+2347056195545 for more information on how to
receive your first instalment of $5000 USD.

Regards,

Mr Jason Callahan
For: Western Union.

Anti-fraud resources: