419 scam: "MR. Ruben Moussa" <malicsun2010@gmail.com> FROM HEAD QUARTER POLICE STATION BENIN REPUBLIC WEST AFRICA.

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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:
- "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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cotonou" (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.
- +22999408868 (Benin, probably a 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.
- inspectorgeneralofpolicebeninrep@rocketmail.com (Rocketmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "MR. Ruben Moussa" <malicsun2010@gmail.com>
Reply-To: inspectorgeneralofpolicebeninrep@rocketmail.com
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:52:25 +0530 (IST)
Subject: FROM HEAD QUARTER POLICE STATION BENIN REPUBLIC WEST AFRICA.

FROM HEAD QUARTER POLICE STATION
ZOGBO COTONOU
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
BENIN REPUBLIC WEST AFRICA
MR.RUBEN MOUSSA
Email: inspectorgeneralofpolicebeninrep@rocketmail.com
Telephone: +22999408868

My name is Mr. Ruben Moussa the inspector general of police Benin Republic,This is to inform you that the government of this country Benin Republic are rewarding you the sum of $500.000.00)Five Hundred Thousand United States dollars as one of the scam victim.
We where able to get your email through those that extort money from you when the police got them arrested , One of them gave us your email address. The president of this country His Excellency Mr.Yayi Boni has sent aside the sum of $500.000 Dollars by Atm Card to send to you through Dhl Courier Company,the maximium amount you will be withdrawing each day is $4,500 dollar,the Atm Card will enable you cash your fund to any Atm Machine center in your Area,We there by have made a concrete arrangement with the DHL Courier Company for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the demand of the conveyance.
Below is your Atm Secret Pin Code (7712), Note that all the delivery fee has been paid on your behalf. But you are to send $89 dollar immediately to our office for the Activation of your atm secret pin code ! to enable you to withdraw your fund to any Atm Paying Machine Center in your country.So you advice to contact inspector general of police Benin Republic Office immediately with your full information for delivery of your Atm Card and also to enable our office confirm that you are the real owner of this Emaill address to aviod any mistake.
Your Full Name.......
Your Country........
Your City............
Your Telephone Number.........
The Amount You Lost..........
Contact our Office with this information below for more information and for quick deliver of your Atm Card.
Here are the SCAMMERS that were arrested
God bless.
Mr. Ruben Moussa
call our office telephone number once you receive this message for more information
God bless.

                                       ZOGBO COTONOU
                                INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
                               BENIN REPUBLIC WEST AFRICA
                                          MR. Ruben Moussa
                       Email: inspectorgeneralofpolicebeninrep@rocketmail.com
                                   Telephone: +22999408868

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam