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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: "Lerato Bongani" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bongani02@yandex.com>
Date: Tue, 17 May 2016 09:40:07 +0800
Subject: Hey There

Hello There,

I am Lerato Bongani an investor banker here in Cape Town South Africa. I am writing you in respect to a bid for you which I am optimistic will be of value.

On the 26th of July, 2012, my customer, (Mr. Williams) passed away without any near relatives to his estate therefore, the reason I am contacting.

I will be pleased to enlighten you further on this bid if you can give me a minute of your precious time. Kindly contact me at bongani02@yandex.com

Best regards,

Lerato M. Bongani

Anti-fraud resources: