419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (YYYY-MM)

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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:
- "million 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)
- "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.
- +22999376279 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- uba_remittance@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: United Bank For Africa <"UBA."@mist.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: United Bank For Africa <uba_remittance@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2017 23:32:23 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Once again, your funds are now loaded in an Automated Teller
Machine Card {ATM CARD} and ready to be delivered to you.

UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA PLC
CARREFOUR DES 3 BANQUES.
AVENUE JEAN PAUL II 01 BP 2020 Cotonou,

TEL: +229-9937-6279
EMAIL: uba_remittance@hotmail.com
Hours Open: 7:30am-

Hello.
With all due respect, this message is reaching you from the United Bank For Africa Benin Republic (UBA), this is in regards to your compensation fund at the tune of $5.5 MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS.
This compensation program was endorsed by the Community of West African State in absolute agreement with
United Nations {UN} to compensate some scam individuals/ Lottery and also as trust funds, this reputable bank has been mandated to release your funds to you upon verification of your identity.
Multiple emails have been sent to you in regard to this and required immediate attention /response but we never heard from you for once.
Once again, your funds are now loaded in an Automated Teller Machine Card {ATM CARD} and ready to be delivered to you.
kindly forward to us YOUR :

1)Full Name as written on your I.D Card........
2)Phone number:...................
3)ADDRESS [Delivery Address] ......................................
4)A copy of your Identification card for verification.........

In less than 24 hours you 'll be verified and be addressed to pay for Courier delivery charges and fund release order certificate.
The courier cost for the shipment of your ATM CARD is: $420 USD
Fund release order certificate is: $1,205

NOTE: You are advised to be in contact with us before six working days.

Thanks.

Yours faithfully,
Odogwu Winifred.
Assistance Dir. Remittance Department.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam