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:

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:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "cotonou" (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.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- +22998954729 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
- +22999286468 (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.
- riamoneytransfer221@yahoo.com.ph (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. James Uju" <ronaldsmith724@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <riamoneytransfer221@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:51:28 -0500
Subject: WESTERN UNION OFFICE BENIN REPUBLIC,ME PAPER WORK! Call 00229
99286468

--

Atten,My Dear,

This is to notify all our you about the latest development concerning
all the payment that are left in our custody, which yours are
inclusive Besides, your where given a bill of $754,in order to receive
your payment of which we donâ€™t hear from you for sometime now,

Hence, our Western Union is now offering a Special BONUS to help all
our customers that are having their payment in our custody due to of
prices. In order words we are now requesting that those involve should
pay only the sum of $35.00 usd to receive all their payment abandoned
in our custody.

Besides, my dear, this is the opportunity for you and have to comply
and your funds shall be transfer to your designated address. But
remember that after (3 DAYS) you did not make the payment then we will
divert your funds to Government
Fund, to avoid problem or we will cancel the payment for this year
until next year because this year is not like last year.

Again after (THREE DAYS ) We will enter A new project for the year and
that is the reason why we decided to help all our customers before we
enter into the new project. So be advise to send the $35.00
immediately so that we will register your payment and for to start
receive $5,000 as from tomorrow .Content this Director
E-mail(riamoneytransfer221@yahoo.com.ph)
E-mail(riamoneytransfer221@yahoo.com.ph)

Be advise that there is no time again for we to call any person on
phone unless you will call +229-98954729 After the payment of $35.00
you will start receiving your money every day$5,000 through Western
Union,Send the money through Western Union Money Transfer with the
information below,

Reciver's name=== Ekene Ora
Country== Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Text Question== What city?
Answer== .
Amount=$35.

The moment i receive the payment of $35 i will release the first
payment informationâ€™s of $5,000 to you and you will pick up the money
and i will send you another money. Hoping to hear from you.

BEST REGARDS
Mr. James Uju
FORIGN OPERATION MANAGER
WESTERN UNION OFFICE BENIN REPUBLIC,ME PAPER WORK! Call 00229 99286468

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam