419 scam: Office Data <office----data212@att.net> Dear Sir/Madam,

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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (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.
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.
- cliffhush28@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: Office Data <office----data212@att.net>
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 05:33:14 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam,

Attention!!

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is to inform you that your package has been return to us here today(African Consulate General in Chicago) We still be waiting for your response before the delivery will be effect to your home.

We have been waiting for you to contact us regarding this package which supposedly to be deliver to you by COURIER SERVICE which was stooped and delayed because of illegal coverage paper that should be obtain from the country of the origin where your package was came before the package will be release to be deliver at your schedule address.

You are advise to contact Mr. Cliff Hush by address at below, for the instruction on how you can receive your package to avoid any problem.

The African Consulate General in Chicago
Attention: Home Affairs Section
Name: Mr. Cliff Hush
Address: 200 South Michigan Avenue,
6th Floor Chicago IL 60604
Tell/Fax: (312) 939-2588
Email: ( cliffhush28@hotmail.com )

We have concluded after the inquiries with attorney that the package will be deliver to your home possible today, immediately you reply with the reconfirmation of your address with your telephone number for easier communication.

Therefore, we urgently advise you to comply to enable us finalize your delivery.

Sincerely Yours,
Mr. Chris George.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam