419 Scam

The 419 scam, also known as the "advance fee" scam, involves a fraudster claiming to be a government official, wealthy individual, or businessperson, promising large sums of money in return for help. The scammer then requests an upfront fee to process legal or administrative costs, but once payment is made, the promised funds never materialize. It preys on victims’ trust and greed, exploiting the hope of quick wealth. Typically originating from Nigeria or West Africa, the name "419" comes from the relevant section of the Nigerian criminal code that addresses this fraud.