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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• 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)
  • "million 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)
  • "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)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Zenith Bank International <zenbankplc9380@gmail.com>
Reply-To: jamesokuku01@gmail.com
Date: 8 May 2009 19:05:08 +0200
Subject: RE:OUTSTANDINGCONTRACPAYMENT.CONTRACT#CBN/FMF/MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN009

Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit


>From The Desk of: Mr. James Okuku
Deputy Director Telex Wire Transfer Dept
Central Bank of Nigeria


RE:OUTSTANDINGCONTRACPAYMENT.CONTRACT#CBN/FMF/MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN009


>From The Records of Outstanding Contractors Due For Payment With The Federal Government Of Nigeria Your Name And Company Was Discovered As Next On The List

Of Outstanding Contractors Who Have Not Received Their Payments.

I Wish to Inform You That Your Payment Have being processed and will be Released to You As Soon As You Respond to This Letter.Also note that from Records in My File, Your Outstanding Contract Payment Is $10.7 Million Dollars ( Ten Million seven Hundred Thousand United States

Dollars}. To this end, you are required to indicate your mode of payment.

1)BY TELEGRPHIC TELEX TRANSFER
2)BY Diplomatic CASH DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR STEP
3)BY CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT
4)BY ATM MASTER CARD

Please Re-Confirm To Me If This Is In Line With What You Have In Your RecordAnd Also Re-Confirm To Me The Followings:

1} Your Full Name ---------------------------------
2} Your Phone and Fax Numbers ----------------
3} Your Company Address and Position --------
4} Your Marital Status, Profession and Age. ----

As Soon As this Information is received, your transaction shall be addressed based on your choice of mode of payment.

Yours In Service,
Mr.James Okuku
Deputy Director Telex Wire Transfer Dept
Central Bank of Nigeria

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam