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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:

Fraud email example:

From: DR KACHI VICTOR <kachivictor@att.net>
Reply-To: kchvictor@live.com
Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2010 09:12:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: YOUR PAYMENT NOTIFICATION.


OCEANIC BANK INTERNATIONAL PLC.
270 OZUMBA MBADIWE AVENUE,
VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS.
(OFFICE OF THE INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPART.)
YOUR PAYMENT REF: NUMBER 000894/OBIP/5783/3067
TELEPHONE LINE: +234-7028064595
FAX: +234-7028064595
 
Attn: Beneficiary.
 
We the African paying bank is contacting you for your over due payment. We are to make the payment through Oceanic Bank International Plc. Visa Card which is the best option.

Read the below condition associated with the use of the Oceanic Bank International Plc. Visa Card, the payment Visa card will be issued and delivered to you once you direct the required fee for the delivery of the ATM CARD to your destination.
 
The Oceanic Bank International Plc. Visa Card  will allow you to receive money quickly, securely and conveniently in a way never before.
 
Benefits of the Oceanic Bank International Plc. Visa Card  include:

1- Use your Virtual Visa number to make online purchases wherever Visa is accepted.
2- Use your Visa Card to make purchases at select Visa merchant terminals.
3- Send and receive funds instantly and easily to and from other passports account holders.
4- No need to have a bank account to receive money.
5- Very fast payment option, usually faster than a wire transfer!
6- Less expensive than a wire transfer in most cases.
7- Your money is securely deposited in a US Dollar account until you withdraw it.
8- Real time online access to your account balance and transaction history.
9- A personalized Visa card with your embossed name.
10- Secure access to your money!

The bank fees associated with this payment option are outlined below:
 
1- One time Set-up and Delivery fee: $55.00
2- Value Load fee: $5.00 (charged each time money is transfer to your card)
3- ATM Withdrawal fee: $2.00 per transaction (charged each time you withdraw money from an ATM machine) 4- Annual fee: $55.00 per card (automatically deducted from your card's account each year)

Any additional fees (such as for a replacement of a lost card) are completely outlined in the Terms and Conditions you will receive when you request the card.

Please note that the owners of ATM machines may charge a small fee to use their machine (usually between $1.00 and $1.50.) This fee is in addition to any fees outlined above, and you will be informed of the machine's fee before you make your withdrawal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a bank account to use the card?

A: No - you do not need a bank account to use the card. All you need is a payment card and access to an ATM machine to receive your money.

Q: Do I need to submit any documentation to apply for a card?
 
A: No......

Q: What currency will I receive my money in?

A: You will receive your money in the currency that the ATM machine provides, which is generally the currency of the country that the ATM machine is located in. When you make your withdrawal, the amount you withdraw will be converted into the ATM's currency at very competitive exchange rates.

Q: Will the ATM card work in my country?

A: Yes - the ATM card will work in almost every country in the world.

There are more than a 945,000 ATM machines throughout the world that will accept your card. Any ATM machine that displays the Visa logo or the PLUS logo will accept the card.

Q: Can I use my card for credit card purchases?

A: YES - Your Visa Card can also be used for point-of-sale transactions at select Visa merchant terminals worldwide.

Q: Can I get a second card for my spouse, relative or friend?

A: Only one card can be issued per individual.

Q: What happens if I do not withdraw my money right away?

A: Nothing - you are not required to withdraw all or any of your money immediately. You can let your money remain in your account indefinitely. Your account balance will be securely held (in US Dollars) until you decide to withdraw it.

Q: What if I decide later that I no longer want to receive payments through the payment card?
A: No problem - just change your payment option in your account and you can begin to receive payments through another option. You can keep your card so you can still access any remaining money in your account or if you decide to use the Visa Card payment option again in the future.

Q: Will my Visa Card expire?

A: For security reasons, your Visa Electron Card will automatically expire on the date printed on the card. This date is 2 years from the time the card is issued. Before your card expires, a new card will be sent to you with a new expiration date.

Q: How do I access my balance online, change my card's PIN or view my transaction history?

A: You will be provided with a special URL in the documentation with your card where you can login to view your transactions, print your statements, and change your PIN.
 
We hope you understood every explanation associated with the use of the ATM CARD, in this regard we are expecting your early payment response to enable us issue and deliver your payment CARD without delay.

Thanks
 
Yours Faithfully,
 
Dr.Kachi Victor  
Account Supervisor.

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