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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)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "dear beneficiary," (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
  • "charles soludo" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "charles c. soludo" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Charles Soludo <pcs_g3@hotmail.co.uk>
Reply-To: <ccsoludo_cbngov002@yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 18 Aug 2007 10:40:32 +0100
Subject: ATTEN:- DEAR BENEFICIARY,



>From the Desk Of:
Prof Charles Soludo
Executive Governor (CBN)
REF: CBN/IRD/CBX/021/07

ATTEN:- DEAR BENEFICIARY,

>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 the outstanding contractors who have not yet received their payments.


I wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from my record in my file your outstanding contract payment is US$10,700,000.00 (Ten Million Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

The Requested Information is to ensure that no mistake or error is made and it should be forwarded in the manner stated below:

1) Your Full Name.
2) Phone, Fax and Mobile #.
3) Company Name, Position and Address.
4) Profession, Age and Marital Status.
5) Working Identity Card/Int'l Passport.
6) Nearest airport

Finally your age and sex are very important too please note this.The Contact Numbers are very necessary because the number would be called before the funds would be handed over to the Diplomats so as to ensure that the package is handed over to the right person.So, it is mandatory you send your Direct Telephone Number preferably your Mobile or Cell Phone Number.

Complete the above and send back to me through my E-mail as soon as possible. Congratulations in advance

YOURS SINCERELY,
PROFESSOR CHARLES C. SOLUDO,
GOVERNOR, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA (CBN).
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam