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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: "UNITED NATION" <james@mail.rt-mart.com.cn>
Reply-To: <robinsonohuka1976@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:26:48 -0800
Subject: RECEIVE YOUR ATM CARD NOW

United Nations Assisted Program
Directorate of International Payment
United Nations Liaison Office - Africa
 
Fund Beneficiary:
 
This email is to notify you about the release of your outstanding payment which is truly $8.7 million. The Federal Government scheduled a time frame to settle all foreign debts which Includes Contract/Inheritance/Gambling/Lottery (Sponsored by Microsoft and UK National Lottery) and other international loans. News had it that over the past, numerous individual(s) who happen to be impostors (claiming to be individuals, banks and organizations) are claiming to release numerous sums of fund via numerous ways.
 
You have two options to receive your payment which is either a Pin Based ATM card or Certified Cashiers Check.
 
You are advised to select one out of the two options on how you wish to receive your $8.7 million. Your ATM card or Check/Bank Draft will be shipped via FedEx Shipping Company and would get to you within 2 to 3 working days at most.
 
DO NOT SEND MONEY TO ANYONE UNTIL YOU READ THIS:
 
The actual fees for shipping your ATM card is $375.99 but because Fedex have temporarily discontinued the C.O.D which gives you the chance to pay when package is
 
delivered for international shipping as stated on their website:
 
http://fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_ng_profile.html?gtmcc=us#C10
 
We had to sign contract with them for bulk shipping which makes the fees reduce from the actual $375.99 to $315.99 nothing more and no hidden fees of any sort! You are advised to contact the dispatch officer responsible for the shipping of your Check or ATM card with the following information for shipping of your payment Check or ATM card.
 
And provide him with the following information:
 
FedEx Dispatching Officer: Mr Robinson Ohuka
Email: robinsonohuka1976@hotmail.com
DIRECT LINE:+2347029269960
 
Your full Name...
Your Address:................
Home/Cell Phone:....................
Preferred Payment Method (Check or ATM):..................
 
The dispatch officer will provide you with instructions on how you are to make payment of the $79.99 only for the shipping of your ATM card or Cashiers Check.
 
Remember that you are not paying any fees extra no matter what.. Once again note that the actual Fedex Retail Price: $375.99 Your Price (Because of our contract signed):$79.99 ($29.00 Savings!).
 
Respectfully,
 
Amb.Peter T Jensen
UN Envoy (Africa Region)

Anti-fraud resources: