419 scam: "Mr.Mark Richards" <unitednationsoffice_unn@yahoo.co.uk> YOUR COMPENSATIONS PAYMENT (SCAMMED VICTIMS)

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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:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
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.
- +2347059524394 (Nigeria, 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.
- mrmarkriichards@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
- zone ao, central business district, abuja. e-mail:mrmarkriichards@yahoo.com attention, the british high commission in nigeria,benin (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.Mark Richards" <unitednationsoffice_unn@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: mrmarkrrichards@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2012 20:20:18 +0100 (BST)
Subject: YOUR COMPENSATIONS PAYMENT (SCAMMED VICTIMS)

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District, Abuja.
E-mail:mrmarkriichards@yahoo.com

Attention,

The BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria,Benin Republic,Ghana and Burkina Faso received a report of scam against you and other British/US citizens and Malaysia,Etc. whom the country of Nigeria/Benin,Burkina Faso And Ghana have recompensed you after several meetings held with these Four countries Government and the world high commissions against fraud activities by the Four country Citizens.

Your name and the names of other victims was listed by the Nigeria Financial Intelligent Unit (NFIU). A compensation worth $1,500,000.00 is to be issued out in ATM CARD to all the affected victims, the first batch has been already in distribution. Please as we enter the second batch payment do Re-confirm the following information to the following email: mrganibello@yahoo.co.uk to enable him proceeds without delay:
1. Your Full Name:
2. Your Address:
3. Your Phone No:
4. Your Occupation:
5. Your Age:

NFIU 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 UNITED COURIER DELIVERY SERVICE for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the demand of the conveyance.

Yours in Service,
Mr. Mark Richards,
Consular,
British High Commission.
+234-7059 5243 94

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam