419 scam: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attn: Beneficiary,

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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:
- "hundred thousand us 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)
- ",500,000" (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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- +2348142202448
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.
- mfa.nig4444@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reply-To: <mfa.nig4444@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2015 22:12:31 +0100
Subject: Attn: Beneficiary,

I am Honorable Aminu Bashir Wali, Minister Of Foreign Affairs. During the auditing of all financial records in my office, i was very annoyed when i found out that your payment has been approved already for months and you never receive your fund yet. I have been informed that you are still dealing with the none officials in the bank all your attempt to secure the release of the fund to you. We wish to advise you that such an illegal act like this have to stop if you wish to receive your payment since we have decided to bring a solution to your problem. Right now we have arranged your payment through ATM Card that is the latest instruction from Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) President Federal Republic of Nigeria and Federal Ministry of Finance. It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number; 7946 8678 0123 2210 has been approved and upgraded in your favor. The ATM Card Value is $5,500,000.00 (Five Million Five Hundred Thousand US Dollars Only). You are advised that a maximum withdrawal limit of USD$15,000.00 only is permitted daily. And you can make withdrawal in any location of the ATM Center of your choice/nearest to you any where in your state/country. You are advised to re-confirm your information to enable us process the necessary papers for immediate delivery of your ATM Card to your residential home address. (1) Full Name (2) Home address where you want your ATM Card to be delivered (3) Phone Number (4) Occupation. You are advise to stop any further communication with any other person(s) or office(s) to avoid any hitch in receiving your payment. Reply to this email: (mfa.nig4444@gmail.com)
Best regards,
Honorable Aminu Bashir Wali, CFR
Minister Of Foreign Affairs Nigeria.
Phone: +234 814 220 2448

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam