419 scam: "European Union"<aktbert@sbcglobal.net> European Union

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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
- "diplomatic delivery"
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "diplomatic delivery" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "European Union" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <cheshamsnetworking@live.com>
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2011 00:50:37 +0100
Subject: European Union

Dear Beneficiary
Sir,
Due to the recent Obama's visit to United Kingdom and the E.U (European Union) Meeting that was

concluded last Friday, the International Monetary fund (IMF) on financial debts/settlement has decided

that all affected beneficiaries will get paid, through online payment systems.

This is because some beneficiaries has faced much hazards in receiving their funds through other means of

transfer i.e K.T.T Key tested telegraphic transfer Check, And draft delivery and diplomatic delivery,

which often times turned out to be fraudulent act by some mis-creants in our banking sector expecially

in west Africa.

However, the Paris Club ,World Bank and the IMF therefore suggested that the online payment will be more

safer and secured , in other to run away from the hazards that are faced with other modes/method of

payment in this this magnitude.

Having said that, be advised to contact with the online bank, to enable you open an online bank account

with the bank, thereafter you will commence withdrawal online with immediate effect!!

Meanwhile, do endeavor to call on the receipt of this mail to enable immediate accreditation to be made

on your payment file, and enable us issue you the direct access contact to the payee bank

Congratulations!!!!

Yours Sincerely

Dr. Greg Harrison
Chairman Committee
European Union

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam