419 scam: Bank Of Africa <servicecustomer924@gmail.com> BANK of Africa Chirstmas Special BONUS, IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

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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.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "western union" (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. )
- "director of operations foreign remittance division" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "foreign remittance division" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- "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.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- +22993843698 (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.
- boab_plc@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Bank Of Africa <servicecustomer924@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2011 04:34:18 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: BANK of Africa Chirstmas Special BONUS, IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

FROM THE DESK OF ENGR. KYLE A. MENDAL
THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DIVISION
BANK OF AFRICA - BENIN (BOA)
COTONOU RB, AKPAKPA BRANCH.
EMAIL: boab_plc@yahoo.fr
Fax(+229)20401491
PHONE(+229)9679345Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
ATTENTION DEAR CUSTOMER:

This is to notify you about the latest development concerning all the payment that are left in our custody, which yours are
inclusive,Besides your where given a bill of $275 in order to receive your payment of which we didnâ€™t hear from you for
sometime now....Hence, our BANKÂ is now offering a Christmas Special BONUS to help all our customers that are having their fundsÂ in
our custody due to of transfer charges. In order words we are now requesting that those involve should pay only the sum of
$52 to receive all their funds abandoned in our custody.Besides, my dear, this is the opportunity for you and have to comply and your fundsÂ shall be transfer to your account.But
remember that after (3 DAYS) you did not make the payment then we will divert your funds to Government Fund, to avoid problem
or we will cancel the transaction due to we are entering new year.For this year until next yearÂ because this year is not
like last year.Again after (THREE DAYS ) We will enter A new projectÂ for the year and that is the reason why we decided to help to all our
customers before we enter into the new project.So beÂ advise to send the $52 immediately so that we will register your
payment and credit your funds into your account immediately. Be advise that there is no time again for we to call any person on phone unless you will call+229-93843698 E-mail
(boab_plc@yahoo.fr) After the payment of $52 you will have your funds into your account once you
Send the money through Western Union Money Transfer with the information below,Receiver's Name== Gabriel Augustine
Country== Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Text Question== In God
Answer==Â We trust
Amount Only= $52 The moment i receive the payment of $52 i will transfer your funds immediately and forward your transfer slip. Hoping to hear
from you.
NB: DO LET ME KNOW THAT YOU GOT THIS MAIL FOR RECORD PURPOSES ONLY.THANKS FOR YOUR PATRONAGE !!!ENGR. KYLE A. MENDAL
THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DIVISION
BANK OF AFRICA - BENIN (BOA)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam