A Nigerian prince scam is an advance-fee fraud: someone promises you a share of a large fortune in exchange for helping move or release it, then tries to get your money, personal information, or both. The promised funds do not exist. Also called a Nigerian Letter or 419 scheme, it can arrive by email, social media, or other messages—and the sender need not claim to be a prince.
What the term means
The familiar label describes a fraud in which a sender claims to have access to an unusually large sum and asks a recipient to help transfer, release, inherit, or protect it. In return, the recipient is promised a percentage or other reward. The FBI identifies the supposed money as a lure: the recipient is ultimately asked for sensitive details, upfront payments, or both, and does not receive the fortune. The FBI says “419” refers to section 419 of Nigeria’s criminal code. FBI guidance on business and investment fraud
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“Nigerian Letter” and “419 scheme” are other names for this type of advance-fee fraud. The “prince” part is not a reliable description of the sender: the story may instead involve a government or bank official, businessperson, or another person supposedly able to access extraordinary wealth.
How the scam works
- A windfall is introduced. An unsolicited letter or message claims a large sum must be moved, released, inherited, or protected.
- You are offered a share. The sender says you can earn money by helping with the transfer, often presenting the reward as unusually large and easy to obtain.
- A request follows. The sender may ask for bank details or identifying information, an upfront payment, or both. Claimed reasons for a fee can include taxes, legal expenses, bribes, or another supposed obstacle.
- More demands may come. After a reply or payment, the sender may invent additional fees and ask for further installments. The promised fortune is never delivered. FBI description of the scheme’s mechanics
The central warning sign is a large, effortless payoff paired with a request for money or sensitive information. Urgency, secrecy, or pressure to bypass normal channels adds to the risk. The SEC describes this kind of pitch as an offer to help move millions in exchange for high, hassle-free profits. SEC investor alert on 419 fraud
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Why it is not limited to princes or email
The story can be adapted to different identities and communication channels; a sender may claim to be an official or businessperson rather than royalty. AARP traces the scam’s lineage to the 19th-century “Spanish Prisoner” swindle and describes its shift from letters and faxes to email and social media. AARP says the Nigerian-prince version became ubiquitous online in the 1990s; that timing and historical connection are AARP’s account. AARP overview of the Nigerian prince scam
Quick Recap
What to do if you receive one
- Do not reply with personal or banking information, and do not send money.
- If the message claims to represent a real institution, find that institution’s contact information independently and verify the claim through its official channel. Do not rely on contact details or links supplied in the message.
- Report suspected online fraud to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Connecticut Department of Banking also directs consumers to the FTC’s ReportFraud service. Connecticut Department of Banking consumer alert
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