419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "00,000.00" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +2348066458250 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- enquiredeliveryservice@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr John Long" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <j_long1@gala.net>
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:40:00 -0000
Subject: =?utf-8?Q?=5B***SPAM***=5D?=
Your Email(Our Ref: FGN/SNT/RAL)

UNITED NATION OFFICE
FOR THE COORDINATION
OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIR

Our Ref: FGN/SNT/RAL
Your Ref: SNT/ATM/822

Attn:
I am directed to inform you that your payment verification and
confirmations are correct, Therefore we are happy to inform you that
arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon as
possible and in our bid to transparency.

It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number: 5428050011004432
have been approved in your favor, The ATM Card Value is $200,000.00 USD
(Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ten USD Only)
You are advised that a maximum withdrawal value of $5,000.00 USD is
permitted on withdrawal per day and are duly Inter Switch so you can make
withdrawal in any location and ATM Center of your choice.

We have concluded delivery arrangement with the ups courier services.
Please note that the UPS Courier Company is fully insured by Nicon
Insurance Corporation.

Please do inform us if you will be able to pay for the delivery cost
(100$) so that I will know how to proceed, and please be informed
that the delivery will be made to your address in 48 hours (2 days) after
our confirmation of this payment for delivery, as you know that the
delivery fee receipt will be used to attach on your payment delivery
documents to avoid being delayed by customs.

Kindly provide the details below for delivery.Contact Delivery Agent via
email and Phone Call with your details:

Dr John Long
Email: enquiredeliveryservice@gmail.com
enquiredeliveryservice@hawamail.com
Phone: +234 806 645 8250

1. Name
2. Valid delivery address
3. Phone Number

Treat urgently and note that your ATM Card is ready and available for
dispatch to you.

Regards,
Mrs Linda Miller

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam