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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was sent to thousands of people)
  • "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.
  
• 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.
  • revdrella245@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: Rev Thomas Ella <revdrella245@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: thomasella1@yahoo.es
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 19:56:53 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT REPLY NEEDED


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: revdrella245@yahoo.com

REV DR THOMAS ELLA

NIGERIA NATIONAL

PETROLEUM CORPORATION

21 VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS



ATTENTION,

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 (45,500.000.00)

FORTY-FIVE 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.(c) 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. Thomas Ella.

- Rev Thomas Ella

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam