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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery 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:

• 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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "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)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "mariam abacha" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • mrsmariamabacha_ng000@yahoo.com.my (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "mariammrs" <mariammrs@bol.com.br>
Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 22:59:27 -0300
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS TRANSACTION


Pls.send replies to this email address(mrsmariamabacha_ng000@yahoo.com.my)


Dear Sir/Madam,
REQUEST FOR URGENT BUSINESS TRANSACTION


I am sorry for the embarrassment this my letter might cause you as we have not had any correspondence before this letter. I got your address through the foreign office of the Nigeria Chambers of Commerce,industry and Mining during my research for a reliable and trustworthy foreign partner who I can do business with though I did not disclose the nature of the business I intend to do with whoever is recommend for me.

I am Dr. Mrs. Mariam Abacha, a widow and the wife of the late Nigeria Head of State, General Sanni Abacha who died on the 8th of June, 1998 while still on active service. l am contacting you in view of the fact that we will be of great assistance to each other likewise developing a cordial relationship.I currently have within my reach the sum of Ten Million United States Dollars(US$10,000,000.00)cash,which I intend to use for investment, like Real Estate Development specifically or another type of investment in your country or elsewhere in an overseas country.This money came as a payback contract deal between my late husband and a Russian Firm on our countries multi-billion dollars Ajaokuta Steel Plant.

The Russian Partners returned my husband's share of (US$10,000,000.00) Ten Million United States Dollars after the death my husband and I lodged it in my husband's security company firm of which I was the director as at then.Right now,the new Civilian Government have intensified their probe on my husband's financial and oil company. In view of this,I acted fast to withdraw the huge sum from the firm's vault and smuggled it out through the services of diplomatic courier company and deposited it with a private Finance Company in EUROPE as a family treasure box.I have since declared my husband's security firm bankrupt.No record ever existed concerning the money traceable by the government because there is no documentation showing that we received the money from the Russian partners.

Due to the current situation in the country concerning government attitude towards my family,it has become quite impossible for me to make use of this money within.So I believe this is the only option left for me.Thus consent,I shall expect you to contact me urgently to enable us discuss in details about this transaction.Bearing in mind that your assistance is needed to get and transfer this fund,I propose a percentage commission of 30% of the total sum to you for the expected services and assistance.

Your urgent response is highly needed as to stop further contacts.I will give you my tel/fax numbers where you can contact me when I hear from you. I must use this opportunity to implore you to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter extraordinary confidential,whatever your decision, while await your prompt respone

Pls.send replies to this email address(mrsmariamabacha_ng000@yahoo.com.my)

Best Regards
Dr.Mrs.Mariam Abacha.
NB: Because of the security being mounted on the members of my family, I have decided that this transaction exists between you and me,my Attorney Mr.Sani.Remember to include your private Tel/fax or mobile number for easy communication.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam