419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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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:
- "million 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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: UBABANK OFNIGERIA PLC <wunion428@yahoo.pt>
Reply-To: UBABANK OFNIGERIA PLC <ubakng@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:57:31 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: NOTIFICATION OF IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OF YOUR INTEREST FUNDS VIA ATM
PREPARED CARD

OFFICE OF DR UDOKA EZEJI
DIRECTOR ATM PAYMENT UNIT
UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA
HEAD OFFICE STALLION PLAZA
36 MARINA, P.M.B 2027 LAGOS, NIGERIA

ATTN: Sir.

NOTIFICATION OF IMMEDIATE DELIVERY OF YOUR INTEREST FUNDS VIA ATM PREPARED CARD

Today , we hereby arranged for your approved inheritance interest payment of US$18.182.Million Dollars only via ATM CARD directed to us by the Federal Government of Nigeria Authorities .

Now, you are among the seven (7) beneficiaries who will receive his/her approved payment via (ATM CARD), for the immediate withdrawal of your funds. On contrary, arrangement will be made with Courier

Services accredited to this bank to book for delivery of your (ATM CARD), which will be delivered to your office address.

Note that this payment instrument (ATM CARD) on a reason cannot be delivered to P.O Box for your information.

In furtherance to the above mentioned, you are hereby advice to furnish us with the bellow listed information to enable us carry the payment procedures. In which upon the receipt of (ATM CARD), you will insert it with your bank instrument and make withdrawal of your funds as programmed.

Finally your advice to furnish us with the following information bellow:

(1) YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS

(2) YOUR DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER

(3) YOUR INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT COPY

Urgent response to this mail will enable us dispatch your ATM Payment prepared Card for onward claim. Accept our congratulation in advance

Yours faithfully.
Mr. Udoka Ezeij.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam