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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: cherif idris <cherif.idris11@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 22:34:36 +0000
Subject: From Cherif Idris

>From Cherif Idris
i am writing you from Rep of Ivory Coast where i am taking refuge after
the brutal war and murder of our parents by the rebels during the renewed
fighting in our country. Because of the war our late Father sold his
shipping company and took us to a nearby country Ivory Coast where he
deposited (US$12, Million in a privet SECURITY COMPANY)here in Ivory
Coast.the current political situation in Ivory Coast, i am seeking for your
assistance to help me for the consignment to your country if you will not
betray me when the money gets into your country for investment so i can
also relocate to your country to further my education and i am to willing
offer you 25% of the total money for your help.
Cherif Idris

Anti-fraud resources: