419 scam: "MR JOSEPH HONVON"<fedex@delivery.com> DEAR FRIEND

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- josephhonvon10@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "MR JOSEPH HONVON" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <josephhonvon10@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:08:59 -0800
Subject: DEAR FRIEND

Dear Friend,

I feel quite safe dealing with you in this confidential transaction.Though, this medium(Internet) has been greatly abused by all sorts of dubious persons, but I choose to reach you through internet because it still remains the fastest,surest and most secured medium of communication at the moment.However,this correspondence is unofficial and private,and it should be treated as such.

I also guarantee you that this deal is hitch free from all sorts of hazards and problems you may think of.

And also take this opportunity to inform you that,I finally worked and succeed out by God's infinite mercy with the Funds $4.7 Million USD,and the funds have already parkage for immediate delivery to you to designated account of your choice. For the purpose of clearification,you are advised to reconfirm your full Contact Details:

Names :.
Valid Physical Address:
Country:
Occupation:
Direct Telephone Numbers:

To avoid any miss-direction/delivery of the said funds to you in your country of residence.Your quick response to my private email ( josephhonvon10@gmail.com ) will be highly appreciated for further clearification as regard to this transfer.

Regard,

Mr. Joseph Honvon
Director of Operations
WAMU. Benin.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam