419 scam: "ANTI-DRUG PLAZA NW -BERKEMEY SQUARE." <globaltrustcompanyoffice0001beni@yahoo.com.hk> ATTN BENFICEARY,

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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:
- "money laundering" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
- "notarization fees" (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. )
- "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)
- ",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)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "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 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.
- +22998337327 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "ANTI-DRUG PLAZA NW -BERKEMEY SQUARE." <globaltrustcompanyoffice0001beni@yahoo.com.hk>
Reply-To: pmaganza01@av.tc
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:38:12 +0800 (HKT)
Subject: ATTN BENFICEARY,

DRUG LAW/ANTI TERRORISTS AGENCY

ANTI-DRUG PLAZA NW -BERKEMEY SQUARE.

COTONOU - REPUBLIC OF BENIN.

20th May 2010

ATTN BENFICEARY,

I am General Aminu Yusuf (GOC) the Head of the Anti-Drug/Terrorist and money laundering agency. We have investigated and verified your intercepted Bank Cheque of (US$2,500,000.00) (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) in our custody since last year and have confirmed beyond all reasonable doubts that the said amount is free from Drug or terrorist related activities hence have issued a certified Anti-Terrorists /Drug Clearance in your Name to cover the Transfer of the Total Funds to your account. This clearance will clear all doubts with all authorities concerned in your country as soon as the total funds are transfered to your Nominated account.

I wish to Inform you that the cheque $2,500,000.00 United states dollars has been deposited with Diamond Bank Plc (International Wire Transfer Department) in Benin Republic for direct Transfer to your nominated account. I have discussed the Modality of Transfer with the Head of the International Wire Transfer Department (Mr. Paul Maganza) and he assured me that all you need to do is to Open an account with the Diamond Bank Plc and your Cheque will be paid in for Transfer and then you send him your Nominated account details. The Opening of the Non-Residence account will cost you only $95.00 , that is if you can not be able to Travel down to Benin Republic, This fee Covers the Legalization and Notarization fees as well hence you will not pay any other fee until the Funds are confirmed in your account.

Now that you clearly Understand the etics of the Transfer, i want you to contact directly the personel incharge Mr. Paul Maganza, his direct email adress and Telephone number are ( pmaganza02@cc.tc) and (+229-9833 7327) Respectively. I have already informed him about you hence get in touch with him to assist you in getting the transfer done this week. He is a Professional and with his directives, the Transfer will be highly successful within Two Banking Days.

Please i want to warn you that this email communication is ment for ONLY you to avoid fraud attempts by all these criminals that roam the streets and Internet. In your best interest , Stop All communication with ALL regarding this Transfer until you confirm your funds in your Nominated account to Avoid Transfer Interception or Funds diversion . Let me know when you get the funds so that we will close your Case file here in our Office.

My Regards to your Family and Best of Luck in your Endavour.

General Aminu Yusuf.

A.T.D. Head Office.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam