419 scam: ZSabbagh@birzeit.edu Dear Sir/Madam,

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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
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.
- +34632662036 (Spain, 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.
- hansfrank6@aol.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: hansfrank6@aol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 02:44:06 -0700
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam,

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is to inform you about my late client whose relatives I cannot get in touch with. I am compelled to do this because I would not want the bank to push my clientâ€™s funds into the bank treasury as unclaimed inheritance. This mail is written and intended to solicit your assistance to be presented as NEXT OF KIN to my Late Client since you are a foreigner and only a foreigner can lay claims on this inheritance.

The Governing Body of the Bank has contacted me on this matter and I am yet to provide the Next of Kin to lay claims to the Fund. Under a clear and legitimate agreement with you, I shall seek your consent to be presented as the next of Kin so that my late Clients' Fund will not be confiscated by the Bank and pushed into the bank treasury as unclaimed bills. For the sake of Transparency on this matter, you are free to make immediate contact for further clarification and explanation on this matter.

I will need you also to reconfirm your Full Name, Address and contact telephone number to ascertain the fact that I am dealing with the right person.

Thank you very much for your anticipated acceptance while we expect your prompt response to this matter as the urgency demands.

Yours faithfully,

From Mr Hans Alexander

Hans and Frank (International Solicitors)

Email;hansfrank6@aol.com

TELEPHONE;+34-632 662 036

Madrid â€“ Spain.

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The information contained in this communication is intended solely for the use
of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and others authorized to
receive it. It may contain confidential or legally privileged information. If
you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any
disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on the
contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If
you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by
responding to this email and then delete it from your system. The University
is neither liable for the proper and complete transmission of the information
contained in this communication nor for any delay in its receipt.
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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam