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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: "Mrs Mary White" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsmary_white101@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 2015 09:18:05 -0400
Subject: Write back as soon as possible,

My name is Mrs Mary White. I was married to Late Engr. Charles White We were married for 16 years without a child. He died after a Brief illness. And Recently, My Doctor told me that I may not live longer than required due to my health condition.I need your assistance as a partner.

I inherited a total sum of $7.8 million usd from my late husband, this money which is concealed in a metallic trunk box is deposited with a security and finance company in China.This deposit was coded under a secret arrangement as a family treasure.

Write back as soon as possible, any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another person for this same purpose, hoping to read from you ASAP..

God bless you as i await your response,

Mrs Mary White

Anti-fraud resources: