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The 419 scam

The 419 scam is a worldwide scam, which has run since the early 1980s under Successive Governments of Nigeria. It is also referred to as "Advance Fee Fraud", "419 Fraud" after the relevant section of the Criminal Code of Nigeria

How the scam operates

The target receives an unsolicited fax, email, or letter often concerning "over-invoiced" or "double invoiced" oil, or other supply and service contracts where the writers want to get the overage out of South Africa, or any other country. Their correspondence may alternatively refer to crude oil and other commodity deals; a bequest/inheritance left for the victim in a will; etc

They would then be soliciting the victim's assistance in getting the money out of the country.

At some point, the victim is asked to pay up front an Advance Fee of some sort, be it an "Advance Fee", "Transfer Tax", "Performance Bond", or to extend credit, grant COD privileges, whatever. If the victim pays the Fee, there are many "Complications" which require still more advance payments until the victim either quits, runs out of money, or both. If the victim extends credit he/she is then left with no Effective Recourse in respect of monies he/she has paid.

What to do if you receive a "419 Scam" letter

Send all documents pertaining to the scam to

The Commercial Branch
South African Police Service
Head Office: Att: Superintendent SC Schambriel
Fax: +27 12 393 1202
Tel: + 27 12 393 1203 or
E-mail: mediarelations@saps.org.za

Please mention whether or not you have incurred any financial loss.

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Last modified: 29 July 2009 08:55:03.