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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 David Cofi <drug_res@ukrpost.ua>
Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2014 16:44:10 +0200 (EET)
Subject: PLEASE TREAT AS URGENT



Dear Sir.

Naturally, this letter will come to you as a surprise since we have not met, permit me however. It is with deep sense of honor and respect that I humbly make this appeal to you with the understanding that any fact/s or opinion/s expressed in this letter is given in confidence and solely for your personal information and use. I am Afraid many things are going on now in the Internet which is the only way I think I can get this issue solved but If it does not interest you, disregard the mail but if it makes sense to you, I open my arms wide to do business with you.

I am Mr. David Cofi, a fund manager with Baclays Bank financial group, a contractor and an investor whose customer is named Mr. Vincent Michael, made a deposit valued at $25,500,000.00. USD Upon maturity, I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply.

After three months we discovered from his contract employers that the depositor had died. On further investigation, I found out that he died without making a will. however, my proposal is to front you as the beneficiary to the deceased customer of our bank, if this transaction interests you kindly let me know so I can advice you on how we are going to execute this deal and the total sum of us$25,500,000.00 will be paid and transfer to you by our bank on our behalf.

I completely trust you to keep this proposition absolutely confidential and kindly forward your full names, contact address, telephone number and email address where I can reach you easily. I have suggested that we share the funds as follows 60% for me 40% for your effort , I look forward to your earliest response through my alternative email address below: (mrdavidkofi@accountant.com ) For security reasons.

Best regards,
Mr. David Cofi.

Anti-fraud resources: