419 Fraud Law and Legal Definition
419 Fraud involves an unsolicited email message in which, the sender requests help in facilitating the transfer of a substantial sum of money. In return, the sender offers a commission, usually in the range of several million dollars. The scammer then requests that money be sent to pay for some of the costs associated with the transfer or to provide identity, credit card or bank account information. When money is sent or information is provided, the scammer either immediately disappears or uses the victim's information for further fraud. 419 Fraud is also known as the Nigerian scam because it originated in Nigeria.
