419 scam: "Citigroup Inc"<support@doitchat.com> RE

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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 certificate" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "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.

Fraud email example:

From: "Citigroup Inc" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <citiacctdepartment92@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2017 12:14:24 -0400
Subject: RE

Citibank (Branch Office)

17400 Brookhurst St.

Fountain Valley, California 92708

(650) 564-3134

Dear Valued Customer.

We have already sent you two various notification mails as regarding to this New Development after we have been assigned to undertake this assignment to release your $5,800,000.00 USD and it's surprising we haven't received any acknowledgement mail from you up till this time. Be adequately informed that your ACCOUNT ACTIVATION and CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE Charges which was initially on the high price has been cut down to $500 USD considering the poor economic situations that make it difficult for the middle class citizens to meet up with the clearance of their entitlement.

Finally, at your request we shall furnish you with details for the payment of the outstanding charges above as your prompt settlement is highly imperative to enable us conclude this wonderful transaction as soon as possible.

Kind Regards,

Francisco A. Aristeguieta.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam