419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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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:
- "affidavit of claim" (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. )
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr_admas_agba_chambers@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.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +2347028791339 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Alex Williams" <williams.aalex@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2010 22:10:41 +0000
Subject: =?windows-1256?Q?TO_WHOM_IT?= =?windows-1256?Q?_MAY_CONCE?=
=?windows-1256?Q?RN=FE?=

Attn: Beneficiary,

I really appreciate your response towards this transaction. I must emphasize here that this transaction is real and legitimate in all ramifications. As a legal attorney that is mindful of the severe consequence of indulging in any questionable act, I can assure you that every aspect of this transaction will follow the due process of law and you are at liberty to question any act towards the realizations of this objective that does not conform to you ethics which means you should not disclose this transaction to any one.

Forward the below email to the Attorney:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTACT BARRISTER AGBA ADAMS
Barrister Agba Adams Chambers
Tel Phone: +234 7028791339
Email: barr_admas_agba_chambers@live.com

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

From: ------------------,

I write to inform the Honorable Chambers (Barrister Agba Adams) of the Documents of my inheritance in your Firm. The Late Dr. George Brumley is my uncle but died without the entire family's knowledge in Nigeria as a Sub-Contractor leaving in our Estate Account the sum of USD$14.7million.

My family has decided to reach this Firm through the head of Credit Control Unit, that we want to retrieve the above mentioned amount floating in your bank as we are ready to meet every lawful obligation. I seek your concern in other to procure the below listed Documents.

(1) AN INHERITANCE CERTIFICATE
(2) A SUPREME COURT AFFIDAVIT OF CLAIM
(3) AN ENROLEMENT ORDER (LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION)

Your prompt response is much awaited.

Yours faithfully,

---------------------------------- For the family.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wait to hear from you but first forward the above email to the Lawyer so he can start up with the processing of getting those listed documents.

Thanks

I remain yours faithfully,

Mr. Alex Williams
My direct number is: +234 708 762 2208
Code: In God We Trust

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam