419 scam: "Paul Adams" <vincent@wgu7cx8v4.homepage.t-online.de> IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT CONTRACT NO:MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/011

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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:
- "your payment is being processed" (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)
- "foreign remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "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. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Paul Adams" <vincent@wgu7cx8v4.homepage.t-online.de>
Reply-To: <pauladams11280@skymail.mn>
Date: Sat, 13 Aug 2011 09:53:54 -0700
Subject: IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT CONTRACT NO:MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/011

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
TINUBU SQUARE,VICTORIA ISLAND,LAGOS-NIGERIA

CONTRACT #: MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/011,
Swift Code: BPH KPL PK,
A/C#: 329606=101244=169=678
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT
CENTRAL BANK NIGERIA
Our Ref: CBN/IRD/CBX/021/11
Attn Honorable Contractor,

IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT CONTRACT NO:MAV/NNPC/FGN/MIN/011

During the auditing and closing of all financial records of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) it was discovered from the records of outstanding Foreign contractors due for payment with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the year 2011 that your name and company is next on the list of Those who will receive their fund.

I wish to officially notify you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also Note that from the record in our file, your outstanding contract payment is USD$15.7 Million (FIFTEEN Million, Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

Kindly re-confirm to me if this is inline with what you have in your record and also re-confirm to me the information below to enable this office Proceed and finalize your fund remittance without further delays.

1) Your full name.
2) Phone, fax and mobile
3) Company name, position and address.
4) Profession, age and marital status.
5) Copy of Drivers License I .D.

As soon as the above information are received, your payment will be made available to you via an international certified bank draft,
which will be delivered to your doorstep for your
confirmation.

You should call my direct number as soon as you receive this
letter for further discussion and more clarification.

Best regards,

Dr Paul Adams
Executive DIRECTOR
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam