419 scam: Attorney General <usdoj.gov.attorney1@gmail.com> U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

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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 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)
- "usdojgovtattorney@instruction.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: Attorney General <usdoj.gov.attorney1@gmail.com>
Reply-To: usdoj.gov.attorney@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 14 Dec 2022 04:15:41 -0800
Subject: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
950 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW WASHINGTON, DC 20530-0001,USA
WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.JUSTICE.GOV
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE MAIN SWITCHBOARD

Dear

I am Merrick Brian Garland The Attorney General of the United States
of America. This is to notify you that your file of payment worth of
Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars was
submitted to the Bank by US Treasury Department after going through
the file of payment, I was able to find out that all the necessary
approval has been made, so you have the right to claim these funds.
My office hereby advises you to choose your preferred option of
payment either through ATM CARD, BANK DRAFT, and BANK CHECK OR WIRE
TRANSFER. Kindly choose one option and notify my office for my humble
action.

My office is eager to work with you if you will exhibit mutual
understanding and avoid doubts, all I and my office demand is your
honesty.
American Government is watching us and I donâ€™t want us to be an object
of public deride.

I give you my word that the transfer will be initiated to your bank
account immediately the necessary is done.

Reply here: usdojgovtattorney@instruction.com

We welcome you and we pledge honesty and support.

I am poised to serve you better.

Merrick Brian Garland
Attorney General

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam