Advance-Fee Fraud
Definition
A scheme in which the victim is promised a large future payment in exchange for an upfront fee. Variants include the classic 419 fraud, lottery scams, and romance scams where the supposed partner requests money for travel, medical, or customs fees.
- Classic variant
- 419 fraud
- Other variants
- Lottery scams, romance scams
- Pattern
- Small upfront fee for a promised large payout
- Common pretext
- Travel, medical, or customs fees
Common questions
Why is it called 419 fraud?+
The number refers to Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, covering obtaining property or money by false pretences, the provision historically used to prosecute early letter and email variants of the scheme.
How does a romance scam variant typically escalate?+
The scammer builds a long-distance relationship over weeks or months before introducing a fabricated emergency, such as a medical bill or a stuck shipment, that requires the victim to wire money urgently.
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