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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: "David Goodwin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <officefile1@1email.eu>
Date: Sun, 17 May 2015 07:49:32 -0700
Subject: Unclaimed fund

Sir/Ma,
 
                 
 
Be officially informed that we have received an authorization from the World bank and United Nations to release your long awaiting fund to you without any further delay. You are advise to reconfirm the following information :
 
Full Name
Full Address
Phone/Mobile phone number
 
via email to enable us complete the processing and approve your fund for immediate release of your fund to you as the beneficiary.As soon as the above information is received, we shall send you further instructions for prompt release of your fund.
 
Finally, you are advise to stop all communication with other officials to enable us serve you better.Call me or send Text message to (636) 465-9472 for more information in details.
 
I awaits your urgent response.
 
 
Yours Faithfully,
David Goodiwn
Payment Director,SUNTRUST BANK, NEW YORK,USA

Anti-fraud resources: