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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "security keeping fee" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "consignment " (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)
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- "fedexbn@hosanna.net" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- "fedexbn@hosanna.net" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22996309036 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs Linda Costa" <lindacostaun@Aggies.com>
Reply-To: fedexbn@hosanna.net
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:40:18 +0100 (CET)
Subject: contact (FedEx courier Service for your VIP package this code
number (FDX-Bn-RP 9645283)

Hello Dear,

This is to bring to your notice that my office has taking over all the
money Transaction originated from any part of African/ Europe and Asia
counties etc. as Contract payment, Fund inheritance, Lottery Winning
prize, Atm Debit cards, henceforth commercial banks, Security
Companies,ATM Credit and Debit Union including any offshore payment
centers are no more authorized to handle release of funds.

We decided to release your fund through Diplomatic mode of payment.We have
deposited the sum of US$1,500,000.00 in VIP diplomatic box with FedEx
Courier Service, Benin Republic to be despatch to you in cash. This is the
easist and safetest way for you to receive your money.

Please contact (FedEx courier Service) to enable them commence with the
delivery of your consignment box containing the sum of $1,500,000.00.

person to contact : Rev Abel Silver
(Delivery department manager)
E-mail: ( fedexbn@hosanna.net ) ( fedexbn@hosanna.net )
Telephone: +229 9630 9036 / +22998593363

Note, that the entire fee has been paid for your delivery so it's probably
only $285.00 that remains for you to send to the FedEx Courier Service,
Benin Republic which is their Security keeping fee for your consignment
box so far.

You are advised to forward all your mailing information to them
immediately you receive this mail.

Your country:.....
Your full name:....
Home address:.......
Mobil phone number:......
Office number:.......
Home number:.....
Age:........
Sex:.......

In addition to what i said earlier please, don't disclose the content of
the box to them, to avoid delay and finally endeavor to indicate this code
number (FDX-Bn-RP 9645283), this code will prove that you are the rightful
owner of the VIP box deposited in their company, use it as your subject
when your contacting them.

Thanks and remain blessed.

Best regards
Mrs Linda Costa

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam