419 scam: "Mr. James Egobiah" <deskofficiall@sify.com> International Diplomatic fee $65.

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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. )
- "mtcn" (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. )
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "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.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. James Egobiah" <deskofficiall@sify.com>
Date: Mon, 06 Jun 2011 17:13:10 +0400
Subject: International Diplomatic fee $65.

Atten: Sir/Madam,

This is to inform you that we are well equipped and positioned to meet
the international banking needs to our clients, your interests are our
paramount concern, Let me start by introducing myself. I am Mr. James D.
Egobiah. I wish to inform you that your Atm card is now in london, you
are
advice to call the delivery agent in london, to confirmations. We offer
you the use of our exclusive debit card and ATM card worldwide and access
to over 50,000 ATM machines global . and is available to be sent to you
via our only secure International Diplomatic Way. You should act fast in
sending the $65USD. Information for you to make the payment via western
union instant money transfer states below:-

Receiverâ€™s name; ONYEKACHI JAMES
Address: C/4872 Citeâ€™ vie Cotonou BÃ©nin rÃ©publique
Amount: $65
Question: What Color?
Answer: Blue.
Mtcn:................

please confirm your alternative mailing address for the dispatching also
you are subject to pay the International Diplomatic fee $65. You need
to
Act very fast to avoid you loosing this Atm card with the value.

To enable the Diplomat dispatch it as we do not entertain any more delay.
you are advice to send the money today so that they can deliver your Atm
card as soon as possible. make sure that you call them today for
confirmation. Please as soon as you contact the office, Please let me
know.

I will Be waiting to hear from you.

Thank you and kind regards,
Mr. James Egobiah.
Payment office. Benin Republic

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam