419 scam: HEAD OFFICE <hoffice800@yahoo.pt> ATTENTION:DEAR CUSTOMER GOOD NEWS OF YOUR ATM CARD,

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "atm card department" (this phrase is often used in the ATM card payment scam)
- "million united state dollars" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "atmcardofficepayment6@gmail.com" (this email address looks like addresses used in "ATM SWIFT card" scams)
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.
- +22968690836 (Benin, probably a 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.
- atmcardofficepayment6@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: HEAD OFFICE <hoffice800@yahoo.pt>
Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:56:00 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: ATTENTION:DEAR CUSTOMER GOOD NEWS OF YOUR ATM CARD,

Â ATTENTION:DEAR CUSTOMER GOOD NEWS OF YOUR ATM CARD,
How are you doing hoping all is well with you and your family? We know you might have forgotten about this your outstanding fund due to delay on the delivery up till now. We are here by writing to inform you that your file was found in our old payment files and we discovered that your compensation payment of $2.5Million united state dollars have not been sent to you as it was instructed by(ECO-WAS)The Economic Community of West African States (ECO-WAS)We are here to inform you that Your payment has been converted into ATM MasterCard to free it from Expiring, and all the necessary arrangement for your ATM MASTER CARD Payment that is worth $2.5Million United State Dollars has been granted for your payment through Our ATM Card Department Center. Now Your Master ATM Card is well packaged with every legal document to convey it having any problem with any Authorities or with your Federal Government over there.
therefore we are here by inviting you to our office here in Benin, Office Â Address,9,Avnue Pape Jean-Paul ll,1 BP 123 REP Cotonou Benin Republic, to enable us Â complete the normal formalities and activation process of your ATM CARD and issue Â the Secret pin code number to enable you make withdrawal at any ATM MACHINE of your choice nearest to you, as soon as it is activated, But if you are unable to come down here in our office in person you will be required to update our ATM Department Center with your contact details as stated below so that we will proceed with the necessary arrangement for the delivery of your ATM MASTER CARD.
Therefore you are warned to stop any further communication with anybody or office concerning your inheritance fund.
1. Your Full name, ________________
2. Your home Address, ______________
3. Your telephone number, ______
4. A copy of your ID, _____________
5. Your age/sex, ____________________
6. Your occupation, __________________
7. Your country, ____________________

Therefore you should contact OUR ATM CARD PAYMENT DEPARTMENT CENTER immediately on their below-mail :( atmcardofficepayment6@gmail.com) Contact Person; MR.Francis Johnson Telephone Number ;( +229-686-908-36) Try to call him immediately to know when your ATM CARD will be delivered to you. I am waiting for you to update us as soon as you have received your Master ATM Card. Thanks and God Bless You. Yours sincerely,Mrs.Faith Kate Eze,Â DIRECTOR OF ECO BANK BENIN,

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam