419 scam: "Barrister John Thomas"<imperialchamber_barrjohn@rediffmail.com> YOUR PAYMENT RELEASE ORDER

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
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.
- sanusilmd34@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Barrister John Thomas" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:59:56 -0700
Subject: YOUR PAYMENT RELEASE ORDER

FROM THE DESK OF BENJAMIN C. ONYIDO

DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND OPERATIONS,

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA.(CBN)

OUR REF:CBN/IRD/CBX/02/11

ATTN: BENEFICIARY,

YOUR TRANSFER UPDATE

We have called the attention of our legal Department and we met for over three hours dealing on this issue

concerning your $5,000,000.00. We have promise to arrest Mr John Sligar knowing the fact that he will be

coming back to our office tomorrow.

At the issue, It is paramount you stop dealing with any other person in regards to this transaction expect my

honorable office since we will be investigating Mr John Sligar after his arrest.

Our legal Team have proceeded to nullifying the Power of attorney presented by this Criminal. As the Court Procedure,

they have required you reconfirm the Following and please send your reply to the C.B.N Governor in the person of Mr.

Sanusi Lmaido private email only (sanusilmd34@gmail.com)

Your Full Name:

Your address:

Your direct Tel Phone/Cell Phone:

Age:

Occupation:

Country of Residence:

Your confirmation to the above will be appreciated as our legal team are waiting in the court.

Mr. BENJAMIN C. ONYIDO,

DIRECTOR OF CURRENCY AND BRANCH OPERATIONS.

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam