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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:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Jerry Lisbon" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <actinstitute@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:05:24 -0300
Subject: FROM UN LIAISON OFFICE.

United Nations Assisted Program
Directorate of International Payment
United Nations Liaison Office - Africa
 
This email is to notify you about the release of your outstanding payment which is truly $8.5 million. The Federal Government scheduled a time frame to settle all foreign debts which includes Contract/Inheritance/Gambling/Lottery (Sponsored by Microsoft and UK National Lottery) and other international loans. News had it that over the past, numerous individual(s) who happen to be impostors (claiming to be individuals, banks and organizations) are claiming to release numerous sums of fund via numerous ways.
 
We have received a mandate and instructions of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria: Johnathan Goodluck (GCFR) together with the EFCC Nigeria, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to commence the immediate release of your funds through one of the following payment options stated below depending on your choice:
 
1. Automatic Teller Machine (ATM card): Choosing this option, you will receive a custom ATM card powered by MasterCard with your name on it and a pin to go with it giving you option to withdraw $10,000 per day.
 
2. Certified Cashiers Check or Bank Draft: Signed in your favor and cash able at your bank, which is to be cleared within 3 to 5 days.
 
You are advised to select one out of the two options on how you wish to receive your $8.5 million. Your ATM card or Check/Bank Draft will be shipped via Fedex Shipping Company and would get to you within 2 to 3 working days at most.
 
DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU READ THIS: The actual fees for shipping your ATM card is $96.99 but because Fedex have temporarily discontinued the C.O.D which gives you the chance to pay when package is delivered for international shipping as stated on their website: http://fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_ng_profile.html?gtmcc=us#C10 ; We had to sign contract with them for bulk shipping which makes the fees reduce from the actual $96.99 to $73.95 nothing more and no hidden fees of any sort!
 
You are advised to contact the dispatch officer responsible for the shipping of your package and let him know how you want payment sent out of the two given options above available.
 
Dispatch Officer: Joan Glennie
Email: actinstitute@yahoo.com
Tel: +234-702-542-3857
 
And provide him with the following information:
 
Your full Name...
Your Address:................
Home/Cell Phone:...................
Preferred Payment Method (Check or ATM):................
 
The dispatch officer will provide you with instructions on how you are to make payment of the $73.95 only! for the shipping of your package.
 
Remember that you are not paying any fees extra no matter what. Once again note that the actual Fedex Retail Price: $96.99 Your Price (Because of our contract signed): $73.95 ($23.04 Savings!).
 
 
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Jerry Lisbon
Cc: Senate President
Cc: Board of Directors [Fpd]

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