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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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.
  
• Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +2348034728998 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: ANDY JONES <cbnpaymentofficer01@yahoo.ca>
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 05:10:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Payment notice on Contract Beneficiary(Urgently)



.pict_text { background: url(/images/photos/homepage_hero_left.395.318.jpg) repeat-x; width: 395px;height: 318px; } .forcepict_text_text { font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: plain; } Welcome to Western Union
Send Money Worldwide




Attn:Beneficiary Contractor/Next of Kin,

REWARD FOR INTEREST ON CONTRACT FUND

Be informed of the fact that we have as at yesterday being Apr 3rd, 2008, started processing your full contract payment.

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria has resolved to urgently and first of all pay you the interest on your contract sum amounting to US$13, 345.00 while your full contract payment is under processing and will be transfered to you by telegraphic transfer soonest.

We have decided to send the interest of US$13,345.00 to you by western union urgently at first.

provide the following:

(a) Your name as the receiver.
(b) city, state.

While we provide you with the following:

(a) MTCN Western union control number for US$13,345.00
(b) Sender's name and country
(c) Test Question and Answer.

As soon as we receive your personal data, the western union will be sent and you will receive the MTCN etc for collection.

We decided to embark on Swift Interest Payment First because some complained that the delay in releasing their funds caused them alot of money. We have experienced alot of interruption on payments in the past, therefore, this arrangement is strictly confidential and good for you.

Congratulations.

Mr.Andy M Jones.
Cell Phone:+234-803-472-8998
(Customer Service and Accounts, CBN)


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam