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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:
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "diplomatic unit " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "lisaaitken.co.uk" <lisa@lisaaitken.co.uk>
Reply-To: prof.akpanhekpo@cenbankonline.info
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2007 00:33:06 +0100
Subject: Attention:Honourable Contractor,Claim Your Payment Now.




Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).
Tinubu-Square,Lagos Nigeria.

Attention:Honourable Contractor,

Sir/Madam,

We have been making effort to transfer your approved funds arising from the inheritance /contract but we are always faced with the same difficulties.Problems has arisen with respect to transferring large funds as a result of the new controls put in place by international money transfer monitoring agencies.It has become almost impossible to transfer large sums without checks, lengthy delays and even blockage by the agencies/IMF.

In view of this fact, we have devised an arrangement whereby your funds will be shipped directly by our Diplomatic Unit in London or wire transfer of the funds in bits.This arrangement is confidential and will be carried out to ensure you receive your money speedily and within the time frame. This is to inform you that all necessary arrangements have been concluded and our Diplomatic Unit/Offshore Payment Centre in Rome,Italy has been advised and telexed the approvals in your favour as the beneficiary of the funds $25.5million ( Twenty Five Million and Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollar ) for prompt process and release of your funds.

Upon receipt of your complete information for validation, I shall update you with the contact of the Diplomatic Unit/Offshore Payment Centre in London for further correspondences with them. So, indicate how you wish to receive your funds either by bank wire or diplomatic sealed consignment directly to your contact address. You are requested to send the following:

1. Your Complete Names /company names
2. Your direct telephone/fax numbers
3. Your Contact Delivery Address

Congratulations and remain blessed while awaiting your prompt reply with the requested information for swift release of your funds.

Best Regards,

Prof.Akpan H Ekpo
Deputy Governor, Economic Policy,CBN.
Email: prof.akpanhekpo@cenbankonline.info

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam