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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: "Alexander -" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <all23dr@pisem.net>
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2015 04:47:12 -0000
Subject: Re: Investing with your cooperation (9M -1).

Sir,
 
Good morning and good day to you.
 
I am looking to work with a reputable individual/firm to engage in investment ventures in your country and perhaps with your assistance, we could secure lowered tax rates.
 
I am Alex Dryano a staff/member of the inner circle of Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was imprisoned in Russia on false charges of fraud and tax evasion by the current Russian President Mr. Vladimir V. Putin.
 
For more details, please follow this links:
 
 
 
Before the arrest of Mr. Mikhail Khodorovsky, we were in the process to complete the documents for the payment of US$500 M for a contract carried outwith Yukos Oil Company, while working on the issuance of the Approval Documents on thecontract paymentMr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested which led to the suspension of the transaction.
 
Fortunately for us, Mr. Khodorkovsky has being released and is currently reuniting with family in Europe.
 
Now that Mr. Khodorkovsky is released, it is time to complete the US$500 M transaction. The initial foreign company name listed as recipient of the US$500 M belongs to Mr. Khodorkovsky and with current event, this company name cannot be used in other not to put the contract payment of US$500 M at risk.
 
I ask for your help so you can stand as the foreign contractor / recipient of the said funds, upon recipt of your positive reply we can proceed and re-profile the Approval documents with your details to secure the payment of US$500 M to you as recipient.
 
Upon receipt of your immediate response, we shall discuss the compulsory modalities to see this transaction to successful conclusion. Note that you will be entitled to 20% share of the total funds as your compensation for your assistance. I consequently request your maximum assistance and co-operation to facilitate the release of the funds to you.
 
In conclusion, I confirm that this transaction would be carried out under a legitimate arrangement without breach of the law. Please keep this transaction to yourself and note that this transaction must be concluded within two weeks. If you cannot assist then I will suggest that you introduce anyone you consider capable and trustworthy to work with me on this transaction.
 
If interested, do contact me for further discussions.
 
Anticipating your reply.
 
Sincerely,
 
Alexander.
 

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