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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: "DENNIS MELCHER" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dmelcher97@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Nov 2016 23:56:28 -0600
Subject: UNITED NATIONS UPDATE

UNITED NATIONS COMPENSATION UNIT, N.Y
IN AFFILIATION WITH WORLD BANK AUDITORS
Sir/Madam.
By this memo, We write to officially inform you of unpaid beneficiary of approved contracts and Next of Kin payments of the forceful measures taken by the World Bank Auditors in conjunction with the paying bank . This is to inform you,that you have been unfairly treated by the government agency, monetary regulations, banks , lawyers etc. In any part of the world, the UNITED NATIONS COMPENSATION UNIT have just concluded on the payment modalities to pay Us$10.5 Million to you.
Be informed that transfer will commence immediately.We antisipate your quick response with the Needed  information. Once more, The paying Bank will not hesitate to credit your account within 24hours in accordance with Fund release order regulations.
I hereby acquaint you with the procedure for the release and transfer of this approved payment fund. You are required to furnish to us the under mentioned statutory requisites to enable my office commence actions.
{1}. Your Full Name and Address:
{2}. Your Confidential Tell, Cell and Fax Number for easier and faster communication:
(3) Occupation / Marital Status:
Finally, I want you to know that all has been put in place for the successful transfer of your contract/inheritance and lotto winning fund of US$10.5 Million into your bank account, The transfer of your fund is 100% Genuine and risk free, as all international rules and regulations concerning Fund Transfer has been adhere to for safe transfer of your fund into your Nominated bank account.
Best Regards,
Dennis Melcher
U.N Head Quarters
Secretary-General Office.
Finance & Admin Department 1st Ave, 46th Street, N.Y.
New York 10017. USA.

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