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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Stephen K. Garrett" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <attorney@stephengkentgarrett.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2022 02:11:23 -0800
Subject: Re: Important Urgent Notice

Attn: ,
 
I am Stephen K. Garrett, a Legal Solicitor here in Road Corryton, TN, USA and I wish to solicit your assistance in a deal that involves reasonable amount of funds. This deal by virtue of its nature must be utterly confidential and top secret. Though I know that transaction of this magnitude will make any one apprehensive and worried, but I am assuring you that this will be done under a legitimate arrangement that will protect both of us from any breach of the law.
 
 
Like I stated above, I am a Legal practitioner here in TN. USA and I came to know you in my private search for a reliable and reputable Business Person/individual that can handle this confidential deal with me, which requires maximum confidence and trust from both sides.
 
 
MY PROPOSITION;
I had a client by name Mr. Paul Louis Halley who was one of the richest man in France but does most of his business in the United States Of America (USA) and also a highest investor/stakeholder in Carrefour. He was into several businesses before his untimely death by air crash. This website will give you comprehensive picture of what I am talking about (http://newswww.bbc.net.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/oxfordshire/4537663.stm). My client who died along with his lovely wife deposited the Sum of
$71.7 Million (Seventy One million, Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) with a bank. During the bank audit exercise, the bank discovered my late client's deposit as an unclaimed credit balance, hence issued me a notice to provide any relatives of my client otherwise they will have the account closed and the fund confiscated. I have made several inquiries to his high commission to locate my client's extended relatives, but all my efforts proved abortive, I then decided to trace his relatives or family member over the internet still all to no avail, and hence I found you as my instinct convinces me that you will be a trustworthy and honest business partner and I decided to contact you to assist me in repatriating my late client's deposit before it got confiscated or declared unclaimed by the Financial institution where the fund is lodged.
 
 
I now seek your permission to present you as my deceased client relative or business associates and have you stand as the Beneficiary to my deceased client so that the funds of $71.7 Million (Seventy One million, Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only ) can be released and paid into your account as the Beneficiary and Next of kin.
 
 
I will provide all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up your claim. Please get in touch with me immediately if you are interested to assist me and send to me your contact address, and direct telephone number, then I will commence work in your name. Be informed that this transaction is risk free otherwise my chambers will not contact you because it is against our norm and ethics. Please acknowledge receipt of this message in acceptance of our mutual business endeavor by furnishing me with the followings;
 
 
1. YOUR FULL NAME
2) YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS
3) DIRECT TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS
4) AGE
5) OCCUPATION
6) MARITAL STATUS
7) SEX
 
These requirements will enable us file letters of claim to the appropriate departments for necessary approvals in your favor. Call me as soon as you receive this message for further clarification. The sharing ratio is 50% for you and 50% for me.
 
 
Looking forward to your prompt response.
 
 
Thanks.
Attorney Stephen K. Garrett.
Advocates & Solicitor.
Address: 7838 Barker RoadCorryton, TN 37721 USA

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