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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:
  • "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: "revella4" <revella4@terra.com.mx>
Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:27:28 -0600
Subject: ATTENTION


DR THOMAS ELLA.
NIGERIA NATIONAL
PETROLEUM CORPORATION
21 VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS
Date: 26-06-2006.

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: 55% for us, 40% 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 in this business will only take us (14) working days to accomplish.

Await your urgent response.

Yours Sincerely

Rev Dr. Homas Ella.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam