419 scam: "BCEAO" <no-reply@bceao.int> re: Circular

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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.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "insurance fee " (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. )
- "courier service" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: "BCEAO" <no-reply@bceao.int>
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2014 08:00:39 +0100
Subject: re: Circular

Attention Dear,
I am Alain MATHURINE, the director of foreign unclaimed balance, States bank(you may visit our web page, www.bceao.int).
We, States Bank collectively are holding hundred millions of dollars in unclaimed foreign payments and benefits,and you are among and your unclaimed amount is the US$6.8million only. These unclaimed foreign payments comes from a variety of sources, including abandoned foreign accounts, stock holdings, lotteries, deposits, loans, inheritance, compensation, and suppliers/contractor payments.
We have adopted a resolution to turn over all unclaimed foreign payments, and we will release your own payment through Cashierâ€™s Check.
We have therefore registered your Cashierâ€™s Check on the value of US$6.8million, with EMS Courier Service to dispatch to you.
We only paid for you the EMS Courier fee, and it is your obligation you have to pay for the EMS insurance fee.
Use the below information and contact EMS Courier Service,at the desk of Mr.Pete and ask how much is their insurance fee and pay them to insure Cashierâ€™s Check and dispatch to you.
EMS COURIER SERVICEContact Person: Mr.PeteEmail: mr-pete@windowslive.comParcel Registration #: 78-9639000.BJ
Sincerely,
Alain MATHURINE(Foreign Operation Dir.States Bank)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam