419 scam: "Mr. Michael Chertoff"<info@uscis.gov> WASHINGTON, DC 20528, USA.

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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:
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
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.
- homeland.chertoff@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Michael Chertoff" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <homeland.chertoff@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, 1 Mar 2015 22:48:53 -0800
Subject: WASHINGTON, DC 20528, USA.

SECRET SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

WASHINGTON, DC 20528, USA.

Good Day

This is the Department of Homeland Security. We have a vital mission which is to secure the nation from the many threats as well as internet Fraud. This requires the dedication of more than 230,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cyber security analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, but our goal is clear keeping America safe.

By the way, your file just came across my desk, and we are happy to inform you that your funds valued at US$10,700,000.00 (Ten million Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) have been approved by the Treasury Department of the United States.

Kindly get back to us for further directives.

Note: Do not reply to any e-mail that comes from the FBI Director. The FBI director does not e-mail people; He will rather send an agent to your door step in person. Do not fall a victim of scam again, a word is enough for the wise.

Please fill in your details here.

1) Your full name

2) Phone, fax and mobile#

3) Your full home address

4) Profession, age and marital status

5) Copy of your any valid ID card.

6) Monthly Income

Thank you and have a good day.

Signed: homeland.chertoff@yahoo.com.hk

Mr. Michael Chertoff

Director, United States Secret Service

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20528,USA

Text Message Only (512) 591-8720

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam