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:

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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "dhllcourierservicebenin@w.cn" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
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.
- +22998678298 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "BENIN REPUBLIC" <dhlc258@yahoo.fr>
Reply-To: dhllcourierservicebenin@w.cn
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 17:45:13 +0600 (BDT)
Subject: I am Mr.Barry G. Diplomatic Agent Dhl Courier delivery company
Benin Republic,

Attention:My dear:

I am Mr.Barry G. Diplomatic Agent Dhl Courier delivery company Benin
Republic, Please I miss placed your original address I had due to CUSTOMS
/FBI/ CIA and POLICE searching and scanning on the Box as if I am a
terrorist.

They have confirmed that my movement is clear and with out any suspicious
intentions to this country only to deliver this Box to you and the
documents are updated.

I have just cleared the Box from the Customs and they are now demanding for
the certificate of ownership and the international consignment delivery
permit (ICDP) from country of Fund origin and I told them that it will be
forwarded to them as soon as possible to enable complete your delivery
today, so please call me with my number so that you will direct me on how
to reach your destination today.

Here is my direct number 347-384-4352, do not fail to call me Asap!
and also, Please,I want you to call my director in Benin Republic and
forward your name and your address to him and to enable him secure the
requested certificate in your name and send to me immediately for immediate
release of your consignment box, So I will proceed to your house today.
Dhl: OFFICE

BENIN REPUBLIC
PLOT 56 RIVER LANE B
COTONOU
+229-986-782-98
+229-987-292-99
(dhllcourierservicebenin@w.cn)
DR. SABASTIN BENSON(director)
REGARDS
MR.BARRY G. (diplomatic agent)

--
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam