419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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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:
- "courier company" (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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- cbn.account.supervisor.org@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Cbn Account Supervisor <cbn.account.supervisor.org@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2012 01:59:28 -0700
Subject: Congratulations,$3.5M Secure Cash Atm Cash Card is ready for all
scams victims.

Congratulations,$3.5M Secure Cash Atm Cash Card is ready for all scams victims.

It is our pleasure to inform you that your Secure Cash Atm Cash Card
Number; 4689 9876 5432 1098 has been approved and upgraded in your
favour and have been instructed by our issuing bank for further
release to you the beneficiary.

Meanwhile,The ATM Card Value is $3.5million USD Only. You are advised
that a maximum withdrawal value of US$5,000.00 is permitted daily and
we are duly inter-switched as you can make withdrawal in any location
of the ATM Center of your choice nearest to you in your country.

We have also concluded delivery arrangement with our accredited
Courier company for onward delivery of the ATM Card to you without any
further delay. In view of this development, you are requested to
immediately forward your full contact information and a direct phone
number were you can be reached for more details on the delivery as we
also remind you once again that the ATM Card is ready.

We sincerely apologized for all the inconveniences this transfer might
have caused you in the past. Get back to this office and forward your
full contact information , contact
email:(cbn.account.supervisor.org@gmail.com)

Treat as very urgent, Regards,
Rev. Johnson Okoma
National ATM Security Officer (CBN).

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam