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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: "Ministry Of Economy and Finance" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ministeredefinances.benin@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 30 Dec 2022 14:54:46 +0100
Subject: Your Fund Transfer Is Ready

Greetings,
 
 
I am sending this message to you concerning the release of an unclaimed fund in your name  valued at the total sum Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (USD$2,500,000.00) Your Fund is currently at the Central bank Security Vault Room. The transaction was stopped because a clear account wasn't given as to the purpose of the Fund. We have run a private background check on you and you are clear and have not been part of any illegal act, by support or financing. Therefore it has been agreed that your fund will be released to you immediately.
 
 
Your payment is ready to be released to you with immediate effect. If you are ready to receive your payment Please indicate your interest by replying this message for the immediate release of of your fund valued at the total sum of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars ($2,500,000.00)
 
 
Anticipating your urgent response immediately.
 
 
Thank You.
 
 
Mr, Romuald Wadagni
Minister of Economy and Finance

Anti-fraud resources: