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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
  • "diplomatic immunity"
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "clearance certificate" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "diplomatic immunity" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +2348035428521 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "james morgan" <infojamessss@mail.mn>
Reply-To: gov_james93@yahoo.es
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 04:32:23 -0700
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF GOV GENERAL JAMES MORGAN


FROM THE DESK OF GOV GENERAL JAMES MORGAN
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER TO THE PRESIDENT
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
Aso Rock villa, Asokoro District, Abuja
Direct Security Line +234-8035428521

CONFIDENTIAL DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY PAYMENT


DEAR SIR/MADAM,

I am Gov General James Morgan (Rtd), National Security Adviser to President
UMARU MUSA YAR'ADUA President Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am delighted to
inform you that the contract panel, which just concluded it as seating in
Abuja just released your name amongst contractors to benefit from the
Diplomatic Immunity Payment. This Panel was primarily delegated to
investigate manipulated contract claims, contracts and over-invoiced payment
as the effect has eaten deep into the economy of our dear country.

However, we wish to bring to your notice that your contract profile is still
reflecting in our central computer as unpaid contractor while auditing was
going on. Your contract file was forwarded to my office by the auditors as
unclaimed fund, we wish to use this medium to inform you that for the time
being Federal Government of Nigeria have stopped further payment through
BANK to BANK transfer due to contractors numerous petitions to United
Nations against Nigeria on wrong payment and diversion of contract funds to
different account.

In this regards we are going to send your contract part payment of 5 Million
USD. To you via our accredited shipping company and I have secured every
needed documents to cover the money. Note that the money is coming as a
consignment in 2 security proof boxes. The boxes are sealed with synthetic
nylon seal and padded with machine. Please you don't have to worry for
anything, as the transaction is 100% risk free. The boxes are coming with a
Diplomatic Agent who will accompany the boxes to your house address. All we
require from you is your full house address and your identity such as,
international passport or driver's license and your Cell/Mobile
telephone,The Diplomatic will travel with it. He will call you immediately
he arrives your country's airport. I hope you understand me.

Please kindly get back to me today also with the requested information's so
that we can proceed on this matter as soon as possible.


1) Your Full Name:-----------------------------------------------

2) Telephone:--------------------------------------------------------------

3) Company Name:------------------------------------------------------------

4) Profession, Age and Marital Status:--------------------------------------


5) A Scan Copy of driver's
License:----------------------------------------------

6)Address:------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Note: The diplomat does not know the original contents of the boxes. What l
declared to them as the contents is Sensitive Photographic Film Materials
for security reasons. I did not declare money to them please. If they call
you and ask you the contents please tell them the same thing I mentioned to
you on this email okay. Call me on my direct phone +234-8035428521 or email
me and I will let you know how far I have gone with the arrangement. Now the
only thing you have to do is to help the Diplomatic secured what is called
immunity clearance certificate which will enable them pass every custom
checking point all over your country without any hitch. Confirm the receipt
of this message and send the requirements to me immediately as soon as you
receive this message.

Please I need urgent reply because the boxes are schedule to live as soon as
we hear from you. Call me immediately.

Best Regards,

Gov General James Morgan (Rtd).
National Security Adviser to the President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Direct Line: +234-8035428521

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam