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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Ken Cohalan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ken_cohalan@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2016 10:26:23 -0700
Subject: Re: Attention

 
Attention:
We have received an approval document forwarded to our office
from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to effect an immediate
payment of $2.1million USD (Two Million One Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars)to you. Your name appeared among the
beneficiaries who will receive a payment of $2.1million. It has
been approved already for you through any preferred option.
Basically,there are three (3) options for us to get your fund
transferred to you.
These options include :
1. Online Payment Service
2. Mobile Payment Service
3. Official delivery of Bank draft to your door step.
Please respond to this email by making a selection from the (3)
options above.
Your funds are protected by a hardcover insurance policy.
You are to make your preferred choice from the three options
above.
We anticipate your prompt response.
please  re- confirm the following details;
1.Your Full Name:
2.Your Address:
3. Telephone Number:
4.Fax Number:
http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/chron/mds.asp
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Ken Cohalan
 

Anti-fraud resources: