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.

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

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
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.
- christine_larryoffice_info1@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: charles benson <charles_benson12@hotmail.fr>
Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:46:57 +0100
Subject: CONTACT CHRISTINE LARRY OFFICE REGARDING YOUR BANK DRAFT $950,000
IMMEDIATELY

Dearest Friend.

How are you together with your family i hope that all is well if so glory be to God amen.It's been long I heard from you. Well, I just want to use this medium to thank you very much for your earlier assistance to help me in receiving the funds, without any positive out come. I am obliged to inform you that I have succeeded in receiving the funds with the help of a new partner from South America .

Everything was perfectly done because we strike a deal with one of the Lady accountant who works with the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF) and she rendered a tremendous help to us. My new partner initiated this idea and everything worked out successfully. In appreciation of your earlier assistance to me in receiving the Funds. I have decided to compensate you with the sum of $950,000 in a Cashier's cheque (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars).
This is from my own share. I did this simply to show you that it is good to do good things to the right people always. Presently, I am in South America for investment project with my own share under the advice of my partner. Meanwhile, I didn't forget your past efforts and attempts to assist me in transferring those funds despite that it failed us somehow. I will be sending you E-mail from time to time to know if you have received your share or not.

Now contact my personal assistant in Benin Mr.Christin larry.contact him through this E-mail address:(christine_larryoffice_info1@yahoo.fr ) Please do let me know immediately if you have received it so that we can share the joy together after all the suffering at that time. In the moment, I am very busy here in South America because of the investment projects, which the new partner and I are having at hand. So feel free to get in touch with Mr.Christin larry a to send the cheque to you without any delay.

Best Regards,
Mr Charles Benson

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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam