What is a 419 scam?

You’ve almost certainly been targeted by 419 scams many times. They most commonly come in the form of an unknown sender requesting money by email. It’s also known as advance fee fraud, a kind of fraud which is as old as time, but has nevertheless seen a resurgence in the internet age.

It’s often a rich heir who just happens to be stricken with an incurable illness, promising to share their wealth with you as long as you help with the first transaction. Another typical scenario involves a great aunt who can’t afford to pay her cancer treatment and therefore needs your support.

Where does the 419 part come from? How do these scams work then? Does anyone actually believe them? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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What is a 419 scam?