419 scam: "FEDERAL BUREAU INVESTIGATION DEPT"<test@live.com> ATTENTION!!!URGENT ALERT FROM FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DEPT

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

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.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

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:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "consignment " (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "into your nominated bank account" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "to your nominated bank account" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "diplomatic courier" ("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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "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: "FEDERAL BUREAU INVESTIGATION DEPT" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <federalbureauinvestigationdept@buzonabc.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 2009 06:42:23 -0700
Subject: ATTENTION!!!URGENT ALERT FROM FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION DEPT

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON, D.C.
FROM THE DESK OF MR ROBERT S MUELLER III

Date: 20th-July-2009

ATTENTION

We believe this notification will meet you in a very good present state of mind and health.It might interest you to know that The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Washington,D.C in conjunction with some other relevant Investigating Agencies here in the United states of America have recently been informed through our Global intelligence monitoring network that you presently have a transaction going on with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as regard to your over-due CONTRACT/INHERITANCE payment which was fully approved in your favor.We have taken out time in screening this project as stipulated on our protocol of operation and have finally confirmed that your payment is 100% genuine and hitch free from all facet.

Your funds have been programmed for immediate swift transfer into your nominated bank account via the Central Bank of Nigeria but they can not transfer this fund direct to your nominated bank account because it is not safe,the funds can be diverted or hacked by fraudsters.Due to the high rate of fraud and scam going on in Nigeria now the FBI has invited trained diplomat with international travel immunity from the United States of America to deliver your consignment to your door step via Diplomatic Courier Service from Nigeria.Be inform that the diplomat is in Nigeria now and every arrangement regarding your cash payment through diplomatic services has been concluded.

The diplomat has been assigned to deliver your consignment containing your funds at your door step safely without any delay.Note that the diplomat will be in transit to deliver your consignment at your address once you have made contact with him in Nigeria.For security reason you are advised to adhere to the instructions from the diplomats for easy delivery of your consignment at your address/door step.The diplomatic agent is at your service and i want you to contact us immediately,find our contact detail below:

Contact Person:ROBERT S MUELLER III
Email: federalbureauinvestigationdept@buzonabc.com

I advise you contact us now and arrange with us immediately so that we can authorise the move immediately for the successful delivery of your consignment.Send the following informations to him immediately:

1 . Your Full Name
2. Your Complete Address (Physical Address with Zip Code not P.O.BOX)
3. Your Home/Office/Mobile phone number
4. Copy of your Int’l Passport or drivers lisence
5. Your Occupation

Also note that from the record in your file with me your out standing payment is intact and sealed up in a treasure box and you will be receiving your full payment in cash at your door step.As soon as the above mentioned details are received, your payment will be made to you via diplomatic courier delivery in accordance to World Bank and IMF recommendations.

NOTE: In your best interest, you are to treat this transaction with high confidentiality for security reasons.

Ensure to contact us today so that he will help hasten up the whole procedures as regard to the delivery of your consignment to your door step.The FBI will be monitoring all your communications with the diplomat as he proceeds into the United States of America with your consignment so you don't have anything to be worried about.I require you give me update henceforth to enable us be on track with your consignment to guide you during and after the successful delivery.

Feel free to contact me for any more informations in regards to this notification.

Thank you very much for your anticipated co-operation in advance as we earnestly await your urgent response to this matter.

Yours Truly,
Robert S. Mueller III
DIRECTOR
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WASHINGTON, D.C.
REPLY ME ON: federalbureauinvestigationdept@buzonabc.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam