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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: "Steve Russell" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <golddealer74@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 01:53:18 -0700
Subject: Please let me know if you are interested.

Dear Sir Madam
 
I represent a local gold mining group in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa
At the moment we have quantities gold, diamond and Coltan, we are looking for a reliable partner that will help us to buy and sale our products overseas.
If you are interested please contact me on the following address golddealer74@gmail.com
 
Best Regards.
Steve Russell

Anti-fraud resources: