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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "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: emestebi221@freenet.de
Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:56:54 +0100
Subject: URGENT AND VERY CONFIDENTIAL MATTER.


From The Desk of:Mr. Ernest C. Ebi
International Operations
The Deputy
Governor,Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
URGENT AND VERY CONFIDENTIAL
MATTER.
Hello and Good day to you,
I am Mr. Ernest C. Ebi , The Deputy
Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). I write to you particularly to
solicit your assistance in an Urgent and Very Confidential fund
transfer. In my capacity as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of
Nigeria, I receive gratifications from various foreign contractors,
whose company executed contracts for the Nigerian National Petroleum
Corporation NNPC and were paid through my office.
Now, there is an
accumulated sum of gratifications to the tune of US$12.3Million, which I
intend to transfer abroad for safe-keep and subsequent investment.

However, plans have been made for the funds to be transferred via
Telegraphic Wire Transfer into any safe Bank account you will provide. I
need your assistance basically because the ethics of our civil service
code does not permit me to own or operate foreign bank coordinates while
still in active service.
However, you can be rest assured that I will
use my position as the Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria to
procure every necessary document from the relevant authorities here to
back up the fund transfer in your name as its legitimate beneficiary.
Once the money is successfully transferred into your account, I will
come over to meet with you so we can discuss my investment plans.
If
you are willing and able to handle this transaction with me, please get
back to me immediately with the following information to enhance smooth
transfer, and also let me know what percentage of the total sum would
you like to take after tax?
1. Your full names and current address
2.
Your personal identification such as, international passport or
driver\'s license (scanned copy)
3. Your direct telephone and fax
numbers
4. A safe Bank account details, where you want the money to be
transferred into.
I look forward to your urgent and favorable response
and cooperation.
Best Regards,
Mr. Ernest C. Ebi
International
Operations
Deputy Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN).

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam