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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: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:26:02 +0200
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