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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: Lorena Benzel <lorenabenzel09@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 21:10:00 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Hello Dear,


 Hello Dear,I am Miss Miss Lorena Benzel 22 year’s girl from Ivory Coast. I seek your honest assistance in securing the release of US$4.5 Million which my late father deposited in a finance firm in Europe before his assassination by the rebels here.  And have the fund place in your account for investment.You will also help me come over to your country as I will like to complete my education there while the money will be in your account while we plan for the investment.Please I need your urgent attention on this matter because my life is no longer safe here following several treats I received from my uncle because I failed to disclose the details of this fund to him.Please kindly help me as your own daughter and secure this fund for me. I will give you more details once I receive your willingness to help me.Miss Lorena Benzel

Anti-fraud resources: