419 scam: "Foreign Affairs" <contracto@mfa.gov.ng> Fund Release Authentication Code: FMFA/FGN/PDX237NG/14

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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:
- "contract review panel" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- ambolumashiru@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Foreign Affairs" <contracto@mfa.gov.ng>
Reply-To: ambolumashiru@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 02:03:22 -0700
Subject: Fund Release Authentication Code: FMFA/FGN/PDX237NG/14

Hello friend,

Re: PAYMENT AUTHENTICATION

I am Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, Chairman Foreign Contract Review Panel; my office monitors and control all foreign contracts payments. I am the final signatory to any transfer or remittance of foreign contracts settlements.

I have before me list of funds, which could not be transferred to some nominated accounts as these accounts have been identified either as ghost accounts, unclaimed deposits and over-invoiced sum etc. I write to present you to the federal government that you are among the contractors expecting their funds to be transferred into their account, on this note; I WISH TO HAVE A DEAL WITH YOU AS REGARDS TO THE UNPAID CERTIFIED CONTRACT FUND WITH VALUE US$25.5 Million. I have every files before me and the data will be change to your name to enable you receive the fund into your bank account as the beneficiary.

I have the opportunity to write you based on the instructions I received 2 days ago from the Senate Committee on Contract Payments/Foreign Debts to submit the List of payment reports / expenditures and audited reports of revenues. Among several others, I have decided to remit this sum following my idea that we have a deal/agreement and I am going to do this legally.

MY CONDITIONS.

1. You will give me 50% of the total contract funds as soon as you confirm it in your designated bank account.
2. This deal must be kept secret forever and all correspondence will be strictly by email / telephone for security reasons.
3. There should be no third parties as most problem associated with fund release are caused by agents or representatives.

If you AGREE with my conditions, l advise you on what to do immediately and the transfer will commence without delay as I will proceed to fix your name on the Payment schedule instantly to meet the 3days mandate.

AWaiting for your reply soon.

Yours Sincerely.

Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru
CHAIRMAN FOREIGN CONTRACT REVIEW PANEL
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Garki-Abuja - Nigeria
Email: ambolumashiru@yahoo.co.jp

The information in this message and in any attachments, contains confidential information and is intended solely for the
attention and use of the addressee.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam