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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)
  • "million 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)
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "dan mustafa" <dan_mustaf_2005@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: dan_mustaf_2005@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 02 Jan 2006 19:37:03 +0000
Subject: Hello Dear,

>From the Desk of: Mr. Dan Mustaf,
Financial Controller,
Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Hello Dear,

Please permit me to introduce myself to you. I am Mr. Dan Mustaf, The
Financial Controller of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

My purpose of writing to you is this: There was a contract awarded by the
Tenders Board of the N.N.P.C in the year 2002 and the contract has been
completed and commissioned. The original contract sum was Fifty Million
United States Dollars Only, but it was deliberately over-invoiced by 100%,
thereby bringing the total contract sum to Hundred Million United States
Dollars Only. The concerned foreign contractor has been paid his due
entitlement, leaving behind the surplus sum of Fifty Million United States
Dollars which is presently in the Reserve Account of the
N.N.P.C.

Now, as the present financial controller of this Corporation, I need your
co-operation and assistance in order to enable me claim and transfer the
Fifty Million United States Dollars abroad (into your Bank Account) for our
subsequent use. I need your collaboration as a foreigner because the ethics
of our Civil Code of Conduct here does not permit us to operate or own a
foreign Bank account while still in active service.

Please note that after the successful transfer of the fund, I will come over
to meet with you and we shall discuss my investment plans. I will offer you
40% of the total sum for your assistance.

If you are willing and able to handle this deal with me, please include the
following information in your response:

1. Your full names
2. Your contact address
3. Your private telephone and fax numbers
4. Your company's name (if any).

I wait for your urgent reply.

Best Regards,
Mr. Dan Mustaf.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam