419 scam: TITO MBOWENI <n0_reply@e-mail.us> OVERDUE FUND

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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)
- "outstanding contractors" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "your payment is being processed" (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)
- "hundred thousand united states dollars" (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)
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: TITO MBOWENI <n0_reply@e-mail.us>
Reply-To: T.MBOWENI03161959@live.co.za
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 21:23:23 +0100 (CET)
Subject: OVERDUE FUND

FROM THE DESK OF TITO MBOWENI
THE FORMER GOVERNOR OF THE RESERVE BANK
HEAD OFFICE: PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA

IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT.CONTRACT:MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/009, We apologize for the delay of your payment and all the inconvenience. However, we were having some minor problems with our payment system, which is inexplicable and has held us back in accrediting foreign contract Payments.

>From the records of outstanding contractors due for payment with the Federal Government of South Africa, your name and company was found to be next on the list of the outstanding contractors who have not yet received their payments.

I wish to inform you now that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from the record in my file, your outstanding contract payment is $8,500,000.00 (Eight Million and Five Hundred Thousand United States dollars).

Kindly re-confirm to me the following:
1) Your full name:
2) Phone, Fax and Mobile #.
3) Company name, position and address:
4) Profession, Age and Marital status.
5) Two proofs of identification that are scanned e.g Passport,driver's license,Work ID

As soon as this information is received, your payment will be made to you in a certified bank draft or wired to your nominated bank account directly from The Reserve Bank of South Africa .

Thanks for your understanding, hope to have your response shortly.

YOURS SINCERELY,
TITO MBOWENI
FORMER GOVERNOR
THE RESERVE BANK OF SOUTH AFRICA

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam