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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: "UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michaelkingston@qq.com>
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 2020 06:48:41 -0700
Subject: Attention: Beneficiary

Attention: Beneficiary


Please kindly note that your ATM Debit Card with this bank is long over due to be sent to you.


The audit report given to us, shows that you have been going through hard times to see to the release of your funds, which has been delayed by some dubious officials. We therefore advise that you stop further communication with any correspondence outside this office.


Kindly advice your contact details including your phone number so that the Card will be sent to you without delay.


Contact this department Immediately with the above requested information:


Note: Uploaded in the card is your fund of US$5,850,000 marked inheritance and compensation.


Yours faithfully
Michael Kingston.
United Bank For Africa, ( U.B.A)
Carrefour des trois Banques Avenue,
Pape Jean Paul II,
01 BP 2020 Cotonou Benin

Anti-fraud resources: