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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

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

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

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand united states dollars" (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)
  • "await your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "DR GEORGE OLUWA" <drgeorge_oluwa@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 10:11:04 +0000
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF DR.GEORGE OLUWA .{PLEASE GET BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.}

FROM THE DESK OF DR.GEORGE OLUWA
NIGERIA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
21 VICTORIAISLAND LAGOS


ATTENTION SIR /MADAM

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL


Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information Gathered
from the Nigerian Chambers Of Commerce And Industry, I have the privilege to
request your assistance to transfer the sum of (1,500.000.00) ONE MILLION,
FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS, into your accounts.
The above sum resulted from an over-invoiced contract, executed,
Commissioned and paid for about three years (3) ago by a foreign contractor.
This action was however intentional and since then the fund has been in a
suspense account at The Central Bank Of Nigeria Apex Bank. We are now ready
to transfer the fund overseas and that is where you Come in. It is important
to inform you that as civil servants, we are Forbidden to operate a foreign
account; that is why we require your assistance.
The total sum will be shared as follows: 60% for us, 35% for you and 5% for
local and international expenses incidental to the transfer. The transfer is
risk free on both sides.
I am an accountant with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
If you find this proposal acceptable, we shall require the following
documents:
(1) your banker name and address
(2) Your private telephone and fax numbers? for confidentiality and easy
communication.
(3) Your full name and address.
Alternatively we will furnish you with an application form which you will
file and apply directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria, where this money was
deposited, along with a breakdown explaining, comprehensively what we
require of you. With the full assurances this business will only take us
(14) working days to accomplish.
Await your urgent response.
Yours Sincerely
DR GEORGE OLUWA


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam