419 scam: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE <brandytucker622@gmail.com> FROM FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE BENIN REPUBLIC

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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:
- "clearance fee" (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. )
- "insurance fee " (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. )
- "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)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "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.

Fraud email example:

From: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE <brandytucker622@gmail.com>
Reply-To: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE <officef68@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 2015 04:14:16 +0900 (JST)
Subject: FROM FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE BENIN REPUBLIC

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE
NATIONAL HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
SENATE HOUSE - UPPER CHAMBERS DISTRICT, COTONOU BENIN

This message is from the ministry of finance Benin republic. I am writing this email to inform you that after the meeting held yesterday with the president of the country Dr. Thomas yayi Boni, the meeting was held between United Nation and all countries Ambassador in the country Benin republic. It was alarmed so loud that many foreigners in different countries have been scammed from this country Benin republic and it gives our country bad record in the world.

The president Dr. Thomas yayi Boni pleaded with all scammed citizens that have been scammed due to one reason or the other, and he concluded that every scam victims will be compensated with sum of $6.5 million dollars each, no matter your country or continent. the president went ahead to say that every compensation would be via BANK DRAFT CHECK or A PREPAID ATM VISA CARD which will be delivered to each of every victim in form of AN EXECUTIVE ENVELOPED SEALED LETTER, and it would be delivered to you through POST OFFICE and would be sent directly to your home address and P.O BOX.

Your are advised to indicate how you want to receive your compensation payment, either by A PREPAID ATM VISA CARD or BY BANK DRAFT CHECK.And then fill your information as below for fast procedure of your compensation payment.

Full Name:
Home Address:
Country:
P.O. Box Address:
Postal Address:
Telephone Number:
Age and Sex:
A copy of your ID

Finally, the president was also said that all scammed victims would be responsible for the mailing fee $97. 00 for his or her compensation ITEM, such as BANK DRAFT CHECK or PREPARED ATM VISA CARD. Every other fee such as insurance fee or clearance fee, etc will be taken care of by the government of this country. Moreover, there will be no C.O.D in this stated method of payment.

Your urgent response is highly needed for the fast procedure of your compensation payment.

Regards,
Dr. Paul Akango,
Benin Federal Ministry of Finance.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam