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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 TOM WEST <roy0274@gmail.com>
Reply-To: tomwest2015@mail.com
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2015 02:56:38 -0700
Subject: Reply Me..

Attn:

I am Tom West, working with USA embassy in Nigeria. I have been
mandated by the FBI and USA Ambassador to ensure that your Draft fund
transfer of $2,250,000 USD is completed before the end third quarter
of this fiscal year. This payment is compensation from ECO-WAS in
conjunction with world bank assisted program

After verification, your draft will be released to you on one
condition, you will pay 127 for logistics, insurance and deliver of
your draft.

As soon as you the fee is sent, then your bank draft will despatched
to your address within 12 hours.
Finally, you are advised to confirm your address to avoid wrong
delivery. Your telephone number will be required.

Expecting your response.

Best Regards,

Tom West

Anti-fraud resources: