419 scam: ECO-BANK PLC <eco-banktransferunit@prokonto.pl> IMMEDIATE ATM VISA CARD PAYMENT NOTICATION

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "western union" (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. )
- "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.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- +22998124803 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: ECO-BANK PLC <eco-banktransferunit@prokonto.pl>
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:46:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: IMMEDIATE ATM VISA CARD PAYMENT NOTICATION

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FROM ECO-BANK PLC BENIN REPUBLIC
CONTACT: Dr. JOHN GREEN.
ADDRESS; AVENUE STERMETZ RUE
1255
TEL:+229-98124803

RE:IMMEDIATE ATM VISA CARD PAYMENT
NOTICATION

Attention:Beneficiary,

This is to
acknowledge the receipt of the order from the Federal Ministry Of Finance, in
respect with the provision act of decree 114 of the 1999 constitution; I am
directed to inform you that your payment verification and confirmations is
correct. Therefore, we are happy to inform you that arrangements have been
concluded to effect your payment as soon as possible and in our bid to
transparency.

It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card
Number; 4336468976456354 have been approved in your favour. Your
Personal Identification Number is 2120. The ATM Card Value is (US$3.4 Million ).
You are advised that a maximum withdrawal value of US$5,500.00 USD.is permitted
on withdrawal per Day and we are doing Inter Switch and you can make withdrawal
in any Inter Switch location and ATM Centre of your choice.

As stated in
Mr. Mueller's Email to you the delivery charges is only $68.00. As soon as
payment is confirmed we shall immediately dispatch your ATM Card Package and
email you with the tracking numbers so you can be able to track your package
online and know when to be at your home address to receive it.

Please be informed that the ATM Card
and the Pin-Code would be enclosed in the envelope and you can make withdrawals
from the moment you receive the package.

I hope you make the payment of
$68.00 available to this office using western union money transfer with my
secretary's information as stated below:

1. Receiver Name:: : Mr.
Solomon Young
2. City/Country: Cotonou - Benin
Republic.
3. Question:::: How Long
4. Answer:::::: Two Days
5.
Amonut::::: US$68.00

As soon as you make the payment send an
email with the Western Union Payment information to me so that we can proceed to
dispatching your package without wasting time. Be rest assured that your $68.00
is the only payment you will have to make for the delivery of the ATM Card and
nothing more.

I promise and assuring you that. Now you can go ahead and
send the money so that we will register your package once we receive the fee,you
can contact us immediately this information,but make sure that you send the $68
immedaitely to aviod any delay,

DIRECTOR JOHN GREEN
Call us
immediatelt you send the money
@ Phone No:
+229-98124803

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam