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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: Mr Nicholas Tiangaye <tiannicolastiangaye1957@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2023 11:52:06 +0200
Subject: Cooperation

Hello,

I apologize for my intrusion into your privacy.

I am an attorney by name Nicolas Tiangaye, and I wish to share private
information with you on the transfer of a fund left behind by my late
client, who was an independent contractor here in Bangui (CAR).

After searching for his next of kin to no avail, I came across your name,
as he bears the same surname with you, I decided to write to you in
confidence.

As a learned attorney, I will handle it in a professional manner.

Once I hear from you, I will make all necessary information known to you.

Thanks,
Mr. Nicolas Tiangaye
B.P. 2094
Bangui Ombella-M'Poko
Central African Republic

Anti-fraud resources: