419 scam: "ZENITH CARD SERVICES"<portalfeedback.it@mcgm.gov.in> RE: YOUR ATM CARD IS READY.

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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:
- "inheritance funds" (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)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "lagos" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: "ZENITH CARD SERVICES" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <zenithcards@gazeta.pl>
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 14:20:57 -0700
Subject: RE: YOUR ATM CARD IS READY.

Dear Valued Customer,

In line with the present reformed international payment transparent initiative of President Barack Obama in group efforts with the US Department of Justice, the federal government of Nigeria through her ministry of finance has approved $2,000,000.00 (two million dollars) payout in your favor after duly verified every unpaid contract funds, inheritance funds, Lotto winnings, Scam Victims compensation fund, and other related payment.

Based on this memo, we write to apprise you that we are obliged to provide you with a Visa Debit Card loaded with the aforementioned financial instrument. This is an international payment card issued in partnership with Visa Card Worldwide. It is accepted at millions of merchant locations and ATMs worldwide, where there is the Visa Card logo.

Your Zenith Visa Debit Card is especially tailored to meet your needs and demands. It is denominated in dollars but can be used to settle payments in other major currencies. The transactions using your card are secured by PIN CODE (Personal Identification Number) to be delivered to you alongside your card.

You are further required to thoughtfully inform us about the means you would prefer to receive your ATM Card given options below:

(1). Physical Appearance

(2). Delivery to your address by means of courier service.

The option you choose will determine our next action towards reaching you with the payment ATM Card. We appreciate your custom. Thank you.

Mr. Owie Bright
For: Card Services
Zenith Bank Plc
Plot 84 Ajose Adeogun Street
Victoria Island, Lagos.

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This footnote confirms that this email message has been scanned by
PineApp Mail-SeCure for the presence of malicious code, vandals & computer viruses.
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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam