419 scam: "Agent Robinson Coolwell" <robwell@ukinnigeria.fco.gov.uk> =?utf-8?Q?Spam:Apology=20from=20Her=20Majesty=20High=20Commissioner?=

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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 phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "part of our security protocols" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
This email message is a fake lottery scam. Consider the following facts about real lotteries:
1. They don't notify winners by email.
2. You can't win without first buying a lottery ticket.
3. They don't randomly select email addresses to award prizes to.
4. They don't use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to communicate with you.
5. They don't tell you to call a mobile phone number.
6. They don't tell you to keep your winnings secret.
7. They will never ask a winner to pay any fees to receive a prize!
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.
- +447024074868 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: "Agent Robinson Coolwell" <robwell@ukinnigeria.fco.gov.uk>
Reply-To: <agentrobinsoncoolwell@yahoo.cn>
Date: Wed, 9 Nov 2011 06:11:19 -0500
Subject: =?utf-8?Q?Spam:Apology=20from=20Her=20Majesty=20High=20Commissioner?=

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
NIGERIA HIGH COMMISSION, 9, NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE,
LONDON WC2N 5BX, UNITED KINGDOM
WEBSITE: http://ukinnigeria.fco.gov.uk/en

ATTENTION:

The BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION in United Kingdom, Nigeria,Benin Republic,Ghana
and Bokinafaso received a report of scam against you and other British/US
citizens and Malaysia,Etc. whom the country of UK, Nigeria/Benin,Bokinafaso
And Ghana have recompensed you due to meeting held with Four countries
Government and the world high commissions against fraud activities by the
Four country Citizens.

Your name was among those scammed as listed by the United Kingdom Financial
Services Authority (UKFSA).A compensation has been issued out in ATM CARD to
all the affected victims and has been already in distribution to all the bearers.

Your ATM CARD REF(# TNY/478593G9/19) was among those that was
reported undelivered as at last Friday and we wish to advise you to see to
the instructions of the Committee to make sure you receives your ATM CARD
immediately for your usage.

The United Kingdom Financial Services Authority further told us that the
use of Nigeria Couriers and the Benin was abolished due to interception
activities noticed in the above mentioned courier services in Benin,Nigeria
and Ghana and thereby have made a concrete arrangement with the WIDESERVE
COURIER SERVICES for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary
meets up the demand of the conveyance.

Due to the security, we ask that you keep all information confidential until
your claim will be processed and your money remitted to you.

THIS IS PART OF OUR SECURITY PROTOCOLS TO AVOID UNWARRANTED
ABUSE OF THIS PROGRAM BY SOME UNKNOWN PARTICIPANTS.

THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION has discovered a huge number of double claims
due to beneficiaries informing close friends relatives,attorneys and third parties about
their Awards. As a result of this, this close friends relatives,attorneys and third parties
try to claim the prize on behalf of the real recipients.

We advise that you do the needful to make sure the UKFSA dispatches your recompense on
Friday. You are assured of the safety of your ATM CARD and availability.

Call me at: +44-7024074868. immediately to check if the delivery date suits you.

Your Full Name:......................
Your Delivery Address....................
Your phone Number......................
Your occupation ........................

Yours in Service,
Agent:Robinson CoolWell
CONSULAR/DIPLOMAT
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam