419 scam: JOHN HOU <jhn00hou@gmail.com> ATTN:YOUR FUND RELEASE

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "terrorist clearance certificate" ("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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "huge sum of money" (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)
- "million 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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: JOHN HOU <jhn00hou@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2010 11:34:59 +0900
Subject: ATTN:YOUR FUND RELEASE

From the Desk of the President
Asian Pacific Development Bank
Fonseca Shopping Complex,
Rua 112 Achada,
St Antonioa,Praia
Dear Beneficiary
I am Mr. John Hou, the President, Asian Pacific Development Bank, This
is to bring to your notice that my office has taking over all the money
Transaction originated from any part of African,Asia,America and Europe countries as
Contract payment, Fund Inheritance or Lottery Winning due to Unauthorized/incapability of financial Institutions/security companies
in releasing such huge sum of money due to Fraud, terrorist and money
laundry activities going on worldwide.

The World Bank Group has Mandated the Asian pacific Development bank via my
office to release funds to beneficiaries through certified International Bank Draft, Hence Your Name appears as one of the fund beneficiaries whom their fund was Successfully cleared recently from Terrorist and Money laundry and your money will be released to you through International Cashier's Bank Draft that will be cashable from any International Bank in your country been the only way you would receive your money to avoid paying excess charges, As regard to this arrangement, you are advised to contact the Director telex and Screening Foreign Operations and Remittance Department. With the information below;
NAME: PASTOR WILLIAMS
EMAIL: telex@asianpacificbankplc.com
You are therefore advised to forward your direct telephone numbers, complete name and mailing address to Pastor Williams for immediate release of your money. Be aware that the amount due for you is Ten Million United States Dollars Only (US10, 000,000.00). Be also informed that the Fund Approvals and authorization document Including Anti-terrorist Clearance Certificate was issued in your name and has been handed over to Pastor Williams to release to you through any fast courier company, therefore be aware that your fund has obtained all her clearance to be released to you.
Thanks for Your Cooperation.
Regards
Mr. John Hou (President)

Anti-fraud resources:

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