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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:
  • "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 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)
  • "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)
  • "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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "certified bank draft" (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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: PROF CHARLES C SOLUDO <chu_kw_uma040@hotmail.co.uk>
Reply-To: <soludo_cbnbankfile@yahoo.es>
Date: Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:37:25 +0000
Subject: CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA


CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
TINUBU SQUARE,VICTORIA ISLAND
LAGOS-NIGERIA
(OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

FINAL CONTRACT PAYMENT/NEXT OF KIN PAYMENT VERIFICATION

Attention: Honorable Contractor/Next Of KIN

We apologies, for the delay of your payment and all the inconveniences and inflict that we might have indulge you through.

However, we were having some minor problems with our payment system, which is inexplicable, and have held us stranded and indolent, not having the aspiration to devote our 100% assiduity in accrediting foreign payments. We apologies once again.

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 ( General Alhaji Umaru Yar'adua) that all outstanding foreign debts especially next of kin payment should be released to the beneficiaries forthwith unconditionally.

From the records of outstanding inheritance fund due for payment with the federal government of Nigeria, your name was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding inheritance fund who has not yet 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$22.7million dollars (Twenty Two Million, Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

Please re-confirm to me if this is online with what you have in your record and also kindly re-confirm to us Immediately the followings:

(1) Your full name.
(2) Your Residential Address.
(3) Phone, fax and mobile .
(4) Companys name, position and address.
(5) Profession, age and marital status.
(6) A copy of your International Passport or Driven License.

As soon as this informations are received, your payment will be made to you in a certified bank draft from central bank of Nigeria and a copy
will be given to you for your confirmation.

Best Regards,

YOURS SINCERELY,

PROFESSOR CHARLES C.SOLUDO.
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN)
_________________________________________________________________
Feel like a local wherever you go.
http://www.backofmyhand.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam