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.
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:
- "money gram" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "federal republic of benin" (Benin, Cameroon, etc. are no Federal Republics, unlike Nigeria where this type of scam was invented)
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.
- +229 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
- +22998107359 (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.
- officeofdiamondgeneralinformat@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "AMBASSADOR FEMY ODUWALE" <officefile55@ymail.com>
Reply-To: officeofdiamondgeneralinformat@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2012 08:44:57 +0600 (BDT)
Subject: Contact Diamond Bank Plc Immediately For Your Fund The Sum Of
$10.5m.

>From The Office of Ambassador FEMY ODUWALE.
Final Release of your Payment/ Award Programmed 2012

Attention Beneficial.

Payment Confirmation:

This is to inform you that, we are having a problem with the nominated
banks. We kindly advice, that your payment voucher $10.5Million USD has
been withdrawn from those banks and forwarded to DIAMOND BANK OF AFRICAN
BENIN REPUBLIC this morning, due to delay and attempt of scams and
diversion of beneficiaries funds.

We hereby advice, that you should seize communication with the Royal Bank
of Scotland, ATM Bank of AFRICAN, Barclays Bank, and Money Gram office
both Diplomatic Agent claim to have your payment file in the past. Because
you’re entire fund has been deposit with DIAMOND BANK OF AFRICAN for wire
transfer KTT of your total funds into your banking account in your country
immediately:

Therefore kindly contact DIAMOND BANK with bellow information for
immediately transferring your fund into your banking account as they
promise in 24hours service.

Paying Officer: DR. EKWE AMACHIE OKPOTOKUM. The Head Remittance Manager,
Diamond Bank PLC Headquarter Benin Republic ,
Email address:( officeofdiamondgeneralinformat@gmail.com.)
Telephone: 00229-98107359./ Fax: +229.67780113

Payment release transmission Code is; 33333, Approved by AMBASSADOR FEMY
ODUWALE, FORMER FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF BENIN >
Kindly, reconfirm the name and the Pin Code Number; 33333 to the Paying
bank for proper identification and clearance.

Be Warned and Be Advice accordingly, for security reasons and safety of
your funds transfer, and ensure you always reconfirm and verify every
detail with our bank.
I await your urgent response and cooperation.

Yours sincerely,
Be in peace,
AMBASSADOR FEMY ODUWALE
FORMER FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER
FEDERAL REPUBLIC DUE BENIN HEAD OFFICE.

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What can you do when you receive 419 spam