419 scam: "OFFICIAL EMAIL" <info.nnpc@official.org> Dear: honorable contractors,

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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:
- "from the desk of" (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)
- "nigeria national petroleum corporation" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "ecowas " (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned 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.
- +2347093859150 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- nnpcbarrdesk@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "OFFICIAL EMAIL" <info.nnpc@official.org>
Reply-To: nnpcbarrdesk@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 09:11:45 -0500
Subject: Dear: honorable contractors,

FROM THE DESK OF MR. MOHAMMED S. BARKINDO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NIGERIA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION (NNPC).
OFFICE LOCATION: NNPC TOWERS HERBERT MACAULAY WAY, IKOYI LAGOS NIGERIA.

Dear: honorable contractors,

I am sending this letter to you based on information gathered from the foreign
trade office in the chamber of commerce and industry, i believe that you would
be in a position to help me in my bid to release the sum of One Hundred
Million United States Dollars (US$100 Million) in your favour. i am the
Executive Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

This committee is principally concerned with contract appraisals and approval
of contracts in order of priorities as regards capital project of the federal
government of Nigeria, ECOWAS and united nation. With my position, I have
successfully secured for myself the sum of one Hundred United States Dollars
(US$100 Million).

This amount was accumulated through undeclared windfall from sale of crude oil
during the gulf war. What i need from you is to provide a safe information
which the funds will be release since Government officials are not allowed by
law to operate on this funds. It has been agreed that once we receive your
full information, the mentioned funds, will be ready to be release to you via
your choice of payment.

Sequel to the federal executive council meeting held this morning to pay some
contractors and estate entitlements owners the funds by the federal government
of Nigeria, ECOWAS and United Nation. I need a more reliable and trust worthy
person or a reputable company to do business, which hence this letter to you,
so if you can prove yourself to be trusted and interested in this deal, then i
am prepared to do business with you. What i want from you is the assurance
that you will let me have my share when this amount of US$100 Million is
released to you.

If this proposal satisfies you, endeavor to forward your complete full
information bellow for submission and to call me for more information of your
payment: +234-7093859150.

Full name:
Full address:
Phone/mobile:
Occupation:
Age/marital status:
Copy of driver's license/Id:

Note that your respond should be at our alternative email
address:(nnpcbarrdesk@yahoo.co.jp)

Regards and best wishes,

MR. MOHAMMED S. BARKINDO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NIGERIA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION (NNPC).

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam