419 scam: "Madep Fribourg" <madep-fribourg@mes.bonzamy.ch> Good Day,

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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:
- "international remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "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.
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.
- interswitchatm58@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Madep Fribourg" <madep-fribourg@mes.bonzamy.ch>
Reply-To: inter.switchatm59@YAHOO.COM
Date: Sun, 16 May 2010 03:09:14 +0200
Subject: Good Day,

I am directed to inform you that your payment verification and
confirmations are correct, therefore we are happy to inform you that
arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon as
possible Due to your long over-due payment which you have been finding it
difficult to receive via a Certified Bank Draft issued by the UN Promo, we
have arranged your payment through HSBC Bank ATM Card Payment Center, this
is an instruction passed by the United Nations in respect to all over
delayed payment and debt re-scheduling.

We will send you an International Swift ATM Card that has been approved in
your favor with Card Number: 5301236451206002, with valued sum of
$315,810.00 USD (Three Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ten
USD Only), which you are to use in accessing your fund in any ATM
Stand/location worldwide and remember that the maximum withdrawal daily
limit is Five Thousand United States Dollars (US$5,000.00).We have
concluded delivery arrangement with the ups courier services.Please note
that the UPS courier company is fully insured by Nicon Insurance
Corporation.

Kindly provide the details below for delivery.
1. Valid Delivery Address.
2. Full Names.
3. Phone Number.
4. Other Email.
5. Occupation.

Please do confirm that you will take responsibility for the cost of
delivery ($95), so that i will know how to proceed with you. Please be
informed that the delivery will be made to your address in 48 hours (2
days) after our confirmation of this payment for delivery, as you know
that the delivery fee receipt will be also attached on your payment
delivery documents to avoid your package being delayed by customs.
Treat urgently and note that your ATM Card is ready and available for
dispatch to you and contact us via interswitchatm58@gmail.com

Regards,
Dr.Roy O,brien
HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam