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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: "Mr. Godwin Emefiele,Governor.CBN." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <2711701276@qq.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 03:38:49 +0300
Subject: Payment of your funds.

Dear esteemed beneficiary,
The new central bank governor,Mr Emefiele,has directed that all outstanding payments to foreign beneficiaries of funds be made through electronic money transfer.He held a meeting with relevant stake holders in the finance ministry and other parasatals and your name was shortlisted for the on going exercise.
With great joy,we request that you furnish us with your full name and physical address(NO, PO BOX) to enable the contracted speed post deliver your platinum card which contains your funds .All taxes to your government has been deducted from source.
Your prompt compliance will enable us bring closure to this long overdue payment.
I remain yours sincerely
Helen Balogun
Secretary to the governor
Central bank of Nigeria.

Anti-fraud resources: