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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "million 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)
  • "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: "profcudo1" <profcudo1@terra.com.mx>
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 07:49:17 -0600
Subject: CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA


CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
FROM THE DESK OF PROFESSOR CHARLES C. SOLUDO
GOVERNOR CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN)
Attention To Whom It May Concern
Following the protest of the International Community, The World Bank, IMF and the instruction by the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces(Chief General Olusegun Obasanjo) that all outstanding forieghn debts especially next of kin payment should be released to the benefeciaries forthwith unconditionally.
From the records of outstanding debts due for payment with the Federal government of Nigeria your name was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding, who have not received their payments. We wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be Released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from my record in my file your outstanding contract payment is US$6million Dollars (Six Million United States Dollars).
Please re-confirm to me if this is online with what you have in your record and also re-confirm to me the followings:
1) Your full name.
2) Phone, Mobile amd Fax number.
3) Company name, Position and Address.
4) Profession, Age and Marital status.
5) Copy of INT'L passport or Drivers linsense,or any Valid ID card.
As soon as this information’s are received, your payment will be made To you in a Certified Bank Draft or Electric Telegraphic Wire Transfer from Central Bank of Nigeria.
For us to consider you serious and start processing your payment reply to this email: profcudo@globalum.com
YOURS SINCERELY,
Prof. Charles C. Soludo
Executive Governor
Central Bank Of Nigeria.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam