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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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.

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.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "outstanding contractors" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• 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.
  • +22993906830 (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.
  • centralbankofbenin2007@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: charles konan <charles_konan5@hotmail.fr>
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:08:31 +0100
Subject: IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT



FROM THE DESK OF: Mr. Charles Konan BannyGovernor Central Bank of Benin (CBB) Republic De Benin.Tel: +229-93906830Email: centralbankofbenin2007@yahoo.fr ATTENTION: HONOURABLE CONTRACTOR.IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENTCONTRACT NO;MAV/REPB/GN/MIN/089-006,VALUED AT(US$10.7M)

Dearsir/Madam,

From the records of outstanding contractors due for payment with the Federal Government of Benin (West Africa) your name and company was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding contractors who have not received their payments. I wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from my record in my file your outstanding contract payment US$10.7M) TEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND,UNITED STATES DOLLARS). Please re-confirm to me if this is inline with what you have in your record and also re-confirm to me the followings:

1) Your full name.2) Your Telephone, fax and mobile number3) company name,position and address.4) Your receiving Banking particulars.5) Copy of your international passport for proper confirmation.

As soon as this informations are received, your payment will be made to you in a certified bank draft or wired KTT to your bank account diretly from Our Coresponding bank in abroad and copies of the transfer documents will be given to you for you to take to your bank and confirm when the funds will be credited into your account. Please get in touch with me first by my secured and confidential email:centralbankofbenin2007@yahoo.fr Your prompt response is appreciated as soon as you receive this mail for more clarification.

Sincerely,Mr. Charles Konan Banny.Governor (Central Bank Of Benin)+229-93906830
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam