419 scam: "mr collins edward" <info@bestpay.com.cn> CONGRATULATIONS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS HAS WON A PRICE

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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:
- "transfer of your funds" (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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- +447035958677 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- +22968068118 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- boabenin012@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "mr collins edward" <info@bestpay.com.cn>
Reply-To: <boabenin012@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:33:31 -0700
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS HAS WON A PRICE

HEAD OFFICE: UNITED NATION PAYMENT OFFICE LONDON BRANCH,
Jean Paul II, 01 BP 2020 - Cristy Av. TEL: +447035958677
FAX+44-9713-317662
( OFFICER INCHARGE MR FELIX KANTE)
Email:mrfelixkanteprivate@admin.in.th
Attn: Beneficiary.

My Good Friend, How are you today? Hope all is well with you and family? You may not understand why this mail came to you, We have been having a meeting for the passed 7 months which ended 2 days ago with the secretary to the UNITED NATION. This email is to all the people that have been scammed in any part of the world, the UNITED NATIONS have agreed to compensate them with the sum of US$1.800.000.00 each.

This includes every foreign contractors/Inheritance that may have not received their contract sum, and people that have had an unfinished transaction or international businesses that failed due to Government problems etc. We found your name and email,in our list and that is why we are contacting you, this have been agreed upon and have been signed.You are advised to contact BANK OF AFRICA BENIN REPUBLIC for your [FUNDS TRANSFER] through our paying center in Africa, as They are our representative in Republic of Benin, contact them immediately for your (FUNDS TRANSFER) of USD$1.800,000.

This funds are deposited in the Bank for security purpose , so they will transfer it to your bank account as you are advise to forward to them your banking detals for immediate transfer of your funds into your designated bank account

also remember to include your full Name and telephone number your correct mailing or bank address where you want them to transfer your funds to you. contact BANK OF AFRICA, immediately for the transfer of your $1.800,000. USD Contact: Manager PETER OWODE Email[boabenin012@hotmail.com]

Tel:+229-68--06-81-18 ,Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you receive you’re FUNDS OF $1.800,000. USD and making the world a better place.

Regards
Mr Collins Edward

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam