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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:

Fraud email example:

From: "Antonio Ramirez" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rubibhattac@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2014 19:45:03 -0700
Subject: Congratulations for your fund transfer of US$2,500,000

Ref: UNDP/786-14NG
 
Dear Beneficiary,
 
We wish to congratulate and inform you that after thorough review of all unclaimed Contract, Inheritance and Lottery funds in conjunction with the Word Bank and the United Nations Auditors report, your payment file has finally been forwarded to us for review and immediate payment of your long delayed funds starting with first installment transfer of US$2,500,000.00 to your designated bank account.
 
The Audit reports shows that you have been going through hard times for the release of your funds.We therefore advice that you stop further communication with any correspondence outside this office because you do not have to pay any money or fee to receive your funds.
 
This first installment transfer of US$2,500,000.00 will be credited to your submitted bank account within 3 working days and telex confirmation forwarded to you and your bankers for confirmation.
 
For the immediate payment of your first installment amount of US$2,500,000.00 with reference number,  kindly contact the Payment officer today by email or telephone with the below information.
 
Contact Name: Rev. David Okafor
Federal Ministry of Finance
 
E-mail: revdavidoka@gmail.com OR unccdeptuk@yahoo.co.jp
 
Telephone:+08179554663 Ext,122
 
All correspondences to Rev. David Okafor should have this Reference Number (UNDP/786-14NG) sent along with your Full Name, Contact Address, Sex, Age and Telephone number(s) for prompt attention.
 
Once again Congratulations.
 
Yours faithfully,
 
Antonio Ramirez (Secretary)
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations House
Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Zone,
Central Area District, Garki,
Abuja, Nigeria

Anti-fraud resources: