419 scam: "Dr.Mukhtar Aluh"<officedept6846@att.net> Dr.Mukhtar Aluh..

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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)
- "money laundering" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
- "a security company " (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 send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "the 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)
- "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)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic security company" ("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. )
- "sani abacha" (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: "Dr.Mukhtar Aluh" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mukhtaraluha@ovi.com>
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:43:27 +0200
Subject: Dr.Mukhtar Aluh..

From Dr.Mukhtar Aluh!
Dear Friend,

I am Dr.Mukhtar Aluh,the former Special Adviser on Petroleum matters to the Late Head of State Of Nigeria Gen. Sani Abacha. Because of my strategic Position in his Government and also being a Close confidant to the late Head of State. I was able to acquire personally the sum of USD$18,700,000. Presently lodged In a Security Company in Repubic of Benin inform of Gold Bars.

As I did not want the management of the Security Company to know the content of the consignments; therefore I registered and Coded the consignments as containing Gold Bars for secret. Now, the security company believes that what I deposited with them was Gold Bars in the luggage. I made this money legaly through "CONSULTANCY FEE" And "Good Faith Fees" paid by foreign Oil companies Prior to Allocation of Deep Water Oil Blocs and other Lifting/prospecting Rights (Nigeria is the 6th largest Producer/Exporter of Crude Petroleum in the World.

As you are probably aware Nigeria is prone to Military Coups and the resultant Political/Economic Instability has fueled hyper Inflation, amongst other problems. I have therefore resolved to invest my money abroad, preferable in Real Estate Properties and Importation of Goods to your country for safety and optimum returns on Investment.

However, straight transfer of this money into a bank abroad will present two major problems one, the tax incidence will be too high, as much as 60% of this money will go up in Taxes, Levies, Penalties etc. as a result of Government deliberate restrictions on flight of capital Abroad and also been accused of money laundering and terrorism, The solution is to Courier this money cash abroad in form of consignment, through Diplomatic Courier service Company.

This system is secret and the money is therefore Untraceable. It is a system used by most top Government officials to remove their fortunes to safety abroad.This shall be done by the Security Company through Diplomatic Courier service, once you contact them by presenting the valuable documents that will warant you to be in position of the Luggage. I have therefore concluded every arrangements with the Security Company in Republic of Benin to Courier this money abroad using the courtesy and safety of Diplomatic Bag.

All I now need is a honest partner who can receive the money on my behalf and help me to invest as aforementioned.

There is absolutely no risk involved in this transaction as the money will be delivered to you in any Country of your choice. If you are interested in assisting me, please respond to me by email immediately with your preferred contact address where this money will be delivered to you, upon delivery, you are to lodge this money in a bank account and contact me for necessary arrangements for the investment.

For your help and assistance in this deal, you will receive 35% of this money in cash or Equity if you wish to join the proposed company. I have notified the Security Company where I deposited the consignments that I am moving the consignment abroad and the Security Company has since been waiting for my authority for the consignment to leave Republic of Benin to any country I wished.

So if you know that you will use this fund honestly as I have instructed then do urgently contact me back and the details will be given to you on how you will be able to receive the fund in the country of choice through the Diplomatic Security company. You should also forward to me your telephone and fax numbers for easy communication and to fax you the documents concerning the consignments.

Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

Best regards,
Dr.Mukhtar Aluh.

Anti-fraud resources:

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