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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: "Brian Stewart" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrbrianstewart2016@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Feb 2020 17:07:38 -0800
Subject: Re: VERY URGENT REPLY FROM YOU

Dear Friend.
I am particularly happy dealing with a person of your caliber who knows what international business is all about.Thank you for your prompt response towards the execution of this mutual business transaction. This business is purely based on trust and is 100% risk free business and I understand your willingness to assist me in actualizing this deal. As I told you in my first email, all we need from you is a confirmation that you can handle the amount in question, then all the details will be given to you.

The funds are in a Bank Vault in Ghana, you can instruct the bank on how and where you want the fund transferred into, the most important thing is getting the fund out of the vault and changing the owner's name to yours. I wish to let you know that this is a bank-to-bank transfer, I also want you to know that the management of my bank must not know that I'm involved in this transaction.

I contacted you so that we can work together with oneness and with your full co-operation the fund will be released on your name. I'm a God fearing person and, also I want you to be rest assured that I will not indulge my self in any illicit activities. it would be highly appreciated if you will maintain the absolute confidentiality of the transaction. If you co-operate with us, you will be entitled to 25% of the fund and also the option of managing the fund for us until we need it.

FILL IN CORRECTLY YOUR INFORMATION AND SEND TO ME FOR IMMEDIATE PROCEDURES OF THE TRANSACTION.
1. Your Full Name:.................................
2. Your Address: ..................................
3. Nationality:....................................
4. Telephone ....................And Mobile No:...........
5. Country of Residence:...........................
6. Occupation:.....................................
7. Marital Status:...................Age:.........

Once I get the response to this message I will prepare an application for fund release which you will send to the Bank here in Ghana for the release of the Fund to you as the legal beneficiary, further clarification shall be made known to you on receipt of your positive response towards above subject matter. I await your prompt response.
Thanks.
Brian Stewarts.

Anti-fraud resources: