419 scam: "Mr.Fred Idris"<info@admin.org> Hello Dear Friend

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "contract award committee" (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.
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.
- +2348030499249 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.Fred Idris" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <shilohfavour@gazeta.pl>
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2010 01:20:04 +0100
Subject: Hello Dear Friend

Hello Dear Friend,

Compliment of the day to you and your entire family.I am the Chairman of the Contract Award Committee, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources Nigeria, I am Directed to search for an agent to assist us in the transfer of (US$35 MILLION) THIRTY - FIVE MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS. This money came from some of the Contract we awarded to some foreign companies which have been duly executed and paid.I will like to present you as the beneficiary of these US$35 Million and subsequently use the money to invest in properties in any country of your choice.
You will be required to:

(1) Assist in the transfer and receiving of the said sum into your bank account.
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment.
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.
If you decide to render your service to us in this regard,30% of the total sum will be offered to you.

More so,i will need the following information from you to process the transfer of these money to you as the beneficiary.

1.Your Full Names.
2.Your Contact Address.
3.Your Personal Telephone Number.

Please, quickly get back to me to let me know if you are willing to help me.

Regards,

Mr.Fred Idris
Chairman Contract Award Committee {CCAC}
Tel:+234 8030499249

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam