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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: "Aliu Mustapha" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <aliumus@terra.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2017 12:11:28 -0700
Subject: Re: Information Notice

Attention!!
 
Dear Sir/Ma
This is to officially notify you that information of your unpaid contract/inheritance entitlement valued at US$2,500,000.00 has received attention of office of the presidency on foreign financial matters and your unpaid fund has been re-approved for immediate payment through the management of united bank for Africa. As directed by office of the presidency on foreign financial matters in conjunction with office of the minister for foreign affairs, the attached file herein is certificate of fund ownership. Note that the federal government of Nigeria through the federal high court of justice has duly certify you to receive in full USD2,500,000.00 from the management of united bank for Africa.
 
Be informed that this notice supersedes any directive you must have received in the past based on your contract/inheritance payment and also it is important that you acknowledge receipt of this message along with your contact address and as well your contact telephone number for record purpose.
 
Best Regards
Mr. Aliu Mustapha
For; Office of the Presidency
Foreign Financial Matters

Anti-fraud resources: