419 scam: "FUNDS CLEARANCE DEPT"<un@un.org> Hello Urgent...

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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:
- "outstanding contractors" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "transferred into your 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)
- "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. )
- "fundsclearancedept@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "FUNDS CLEARANCE DEPT" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fundsclearancedept@live.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Oct 2010 07:43:17 +0200
Subject: Hello Urgent...

( INTERNATIONAL FUNDS TRANSFER / AUDIT UNIT )

UNITED NATIONS
WORLD BANK ASSISTED PROGRAMME
DIRECTORATE OF INTERNATIONAL
PAYMENT AND TRANSFERS
870 UNITED NATIONS PLAZA 20-A
NEW YORK NY 10017
WIRE TRANSFER/AUDIT UNIT.

ATTN: BENEFICIARY,

UNITED NATIONS CONTRACT FUNDS REF:WB/NF/UN/XX027.

This is to acknowledge the receipt of your claim application as the immediate
contract payment from united nations your name was discovered as next on
the list of the outstanding contractors who have not received their payments
and we have verified the account number and it has been confirmed Ok today.

Following the resolution and settlement of the payment by the United Nations
in conjunction with the world bank, an irrevocable instructions and authorization
has been given to us today to process and effect your payment valued at US$10.5M
(Ten Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars only) due to you
as the outstanding contractors without delay.

However, please be officially informed that your settlement as the outstanding
contractor valued at US$10.5MUSD is under due processing and upon the approval
of the payment we shall immediately transfer your total funds into your designated
account and it will be confirmed in your account without any delay.

Therefore, be rest assured that we shall ensure that your fund is transferred
into your bank account as soon as the processing and approvals of the funds
has been completed by us, then we shall effect the transfer immediately without
any delay. Note that all the relevant remittance slip relating to this transfer
will be sent to you and your banker for the clearance of the funds with your
bank.

To this end, We are pleased to inform you that we are going to effect your
total payment through any of the following mode of payment below:

(1) SPECIAL CASH PAYMENT
(2) SWIFT/TELEGRAPHIC WIRE TRANSFER
(3) INTERNATIONAL CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT

Dear, You are hereby advised to choose any of the above options that suit
you to enable this reputable office finalize and effect your payment without
any delay. Note that the funds will transfer in US Dollars.

Note that you must re-confirm the following information to me of Probate
for final authentication and approval of your Contract fund.

(1)Your full name.
(2)Phone, fax and mobile #.
(3) Company?s name, position and address.
(4) Profession, age and marital status.
(5) Copy of int'l passport or any scanned identity to prove you.
(6) Home Equity {YES OR NO}.

Finally, as a matter of urgency you are advised to contact Rev. Dr. Roger
Hedges International Audit unit, United Nations Liaison Office via e-mailL:

fundsclearancedept@live.com

Act accordingly.

I will be waiting for your urgent and prompt response.

CONGRATULATIONS.

CAPT. JAMES.C.WILLIAMS
UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam