419 scam: "DEPARTMENT OF STATE" <info@dos.gov> Ref: UDOS/NNG/184.10

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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 document" (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. )
- "hundred thousand 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)
- ",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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "DEPARTMENT OF STATE" <info@dos.gov>
Reply-To: mikepompeo@citromail.hu
Date: Sun, 28 Jun 2020 13:46:30 +0100
Subject: Ref: UDOS/NNG/184.10

U.S Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520.

Hello Dearest

Your ATM Visa Card Will Be Shipped Through USPS To Your Address . This
is to inform you officially that after our investigations with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence
Agency(CIA) and other Security Agencies in the Country , we discovered
that you have not received your fund. We have made it first point of call since taking office to settle all Outstanding Payments accrued to Individuals or Corporations with respect to local and overseas contract payment,Debt Rescheduling and Outstanding Compensation payment.

This is to make sure all Outstanding payments are settled . On Behalf
of the entire staff of the U.S. Department of State and the United
Nations in collaboration with World Bank and the IMF, we apologize for
the delay of your payment, and all the inconveniences you encountered
while pursuing this payment.

However, from the records of outstanding beneficiaries due for payment
with the U.S Secretary of State Office, your name was discovered as
next on the list of the outstanding beneficiary who has not yet
received their fund. Note that from the record in our file, your
outstanding payment is $5,500,000.00 (Five Million five Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars) any other payment option or loaded in
an ATM Visa Card that allows you to make a daily maximum withdrawal
limit of $20,000 (TWENTY Thousand United States Dollars).

We have your file here in this office and it clearly state that
immediate Reconfirmation of the following is very necessary before
further details:

* Your Full name
* Your Current Address for the Delivery
* Your Telephone No. for delivery updates

Note: that your loaded ATM Visa Card will be mailed to you through
Priority Mail Express (USPS) to your designated address immediately you admit full compliance to this email and only when you secured the required LEGAL FUND GRANT OF PROCEED CLEARANCE Document.

Thanks for your cooperation as your quick response to this email notice with adherence to the above instructions is highly anticipated.

My Regards,
Mr.Mike Pompeo
Director Department of State

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam