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:
- "western union" (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. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- +2347032322102 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- united.africanbank@accountant.com (Outblaze.com, Hong Kong; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: URGENT PAYMENT OFFICE <paymentoffice.urgent@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:44:38 -0700
Subject: ATM CARD PAYMENT NOTIFICATION OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF OPERATION
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT SETTLEMENT,

*

ATM CARD PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF
OPERATION INTERNATIONAL CREDIT
SETTLEMENT, OCEANIC BANK OF THE
LAGOS STATES OF WEST AFRICA

ATTENTION HONORABLE BENEFICIARY,

Honestly I am just disappointing at your behavior because you know that I
am man of God and cannot deceive you. just pay the $70.00 and leave me and
my God because God is watching me if I am telling you lies.

I know it is because of your past experience that make you not to believe me
but I told you before my God who is my witness that I cannot deceive you
because my bible says what shall it profit a man to gain material things and
loose your soul. I told you earlier just drop your old experience and follow
my instruction as a man of God and you will know what it means to follow
somebody that fear God.

I swear that . if I fail to deliver you ATM CARD within 48hours after you
send the $70.00 just stop responding to my email and consider me as scammer
okey I promise, I cannot fail you, I promise you. don't fear as soon as you
sent the $70.00 today please leave the rest for me and see if I am lie to
you or not because I can not use my life swear because of $70.00

How can I swear against my life because of this small amount,but is to show
you that I am telling you the truth. so please try to understand me this
$70.00 is big amount but is too small for the amount you have to receive
within 48hours okey.

Here is the information's to use send the money so that we will complete the
matter once and for all. $70.00 only no more payment I swear to God and your
ATM CARD will leave immediately i receive payment here okey. I here by
giving you 100%Assurance that your ATM CARD is valid and you can start using
it once the card is arrive.

Here is the information's to make the payment through western union money
transfer below:

RECEIVE NAME:::::::::::::::Andy Obewe
COUNTRY:::::::::::::::Nigeria
CITY:::::::::::::::Lagos
TEXT QUESTION::::::;; BELIEVE
ANSWER::::::::::::: MY WORD
Amount:::::::::::::::$70.00

I am looking forward to hear from you right now and know what is holding you
not to make the payment as you said because I hate any thing promise and
fail please if you still need your ATM CARD I advise you to send the money
immediately before you get back to me with payment information's.

It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number; 4236968976456364 have
been approved in your favour. Your Personal Identification Number is
2421.contact us with Email address: ( united.africanbank@accountant.com )
or call me at
( +23470 3232-2102 ) If you have any Question,

I am waiting to hear from you once again with good news as you can see that
i am very happy now.
God bless you.

REGARDS,
CONSULTANT
Rev. Mark John*

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam