419 scam: "Mr. Fred Mark" <"www.."@comet.ocn.ne.jp> Attention

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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:
- "mtcn" (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. )
- "transfer into your account" (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)
- "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.
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.
- +22999763127 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Fred Mark" <"www.."@comet.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: "Mr. Fred Mark" <unitedbankofafrica8787@accountant.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2017 02:45:42 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Attention

General Managing Director
United Bank for Africa in Benin Republic.
Office Address: Rue 11-14 avenue nâ€™kwamÃ© Krumah, Bp 13099 Cotonou Rep, Du Benin
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Attention:

APPROVAL OF YOUR FUND TRANSFER
The Management of United Bank for Africa in Benin Republic wishes to inform you
That your fund worth of $15.5 million transfer has been processed for immediate transfer to
Your bank account, pending the Transfer Commission charges for the
Transfer of your fund to your bank account.

Your approved fund is now ready to be transfer into your Account and you are
Requested to pay for your fund Transfer Commission charges that shall
Aid us remit fund to your account, but your inability to pay the
Charges in full have prompted us to assist you, so that you can be
Able to pay the balance of $85 for the final remittance of your fund
To your bank account.

This is based on the Benin Republic Financial Regulatory System on fund
Transfer and it is mandatory that this Transfer Commission is being
Paid before we make transfer to your account, and you are required to
Send the balance of $85 today with the below stated information of our
Receiving agent.

Receivers Name:...ETU JOHN
Location: Cotonou
Country: Benin Republic
Text Question:In God
Text Answer: We Trust
Amount: $85 USD

Senders Name
Senders Address
MTCN

Finally, upon the receipt of the transfer commission fee, the management of the
United Bank for Africa of Benin Republic shall be compelled to transfer your
Fund to your bank account within the period of 24hrs without any
Impediment. Send the payment

Information as soon as you make the payment.

On behalf of the United Bank for Africa
Yours Faithfully,

Mr. Fred Mark
Tel: +22999763127
General Managing Director
United Bank for Africa COMPENSATION UNIT,
IN AFFILIATION WITH THE African NATIONS

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam