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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: "Tanko Sanni." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bank1929kanthony@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2018 19:28:12 +0100
Subject: YOUR PAYMENT.

Dear Client,
 
Be informed that the $20 Million entitlement in your name as the claimant has exceeded its grace period in the suspense account and failure to comply with the statutory requirements will result to the termination of your payment.
 
I will assist if you would disclose vital information to me in confidence. I need to know if you did submit a Swiss bank account for your payment and further instructed some native partners to present an affidavit on your behalf?
 
I will expunge the dual ownership background of the fund in question and as such, it won't be subject to further withholding. Why not come straight with me, maybe we could work closely to resolving this prolonged dilemma?  
 
I am on the verge of my retirement and I have thought it wise to make you an offer that will be beneficial to both of us. In view of the above, please leave me your phone number to enable us discuss the modalities of my proposition.
 
Thanks in anticipation, I hope to read from you at your earliest convenience.
 
Regards,
Tanko Sanni.
Administrator-General of Public Trustee,
Ministry of Justice, North-eastern Region.

Anti-fraud resources: