419 scam: "Edward Scott"<edwardscott@yahoo.com.ph> Good Day.....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:

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:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned 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: "Edward Scott" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <esqedwardscott@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2012 18:12:39 -0500
Subject: Good Day.....Sir/Madam

Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District,
Abuja.

Attention: Beneficiary,

The BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria, Benin Republic,Ghana and Burkinafaso received a report of scam against you and
other British/US citizens. The countries of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Burkinafaso and Ghana have recompensed you following the
meeting held with the Four countries' Government and various countries' high commission for the fraudulent activities carried
out by their Citizens.Your name was among the scam victims as listed by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). A
compensation has been issued out in Certified Bank Drafts to all the affected victims and has been already been in
distribution to all the bearers.

Your draft was among those that was reported undelivered as at Friday and we wish to advise you to follow the instructions of
the Committee to make sure you receive your draft immediately.According to the number of applicants at hand,184 Beneficiaries
have been paid, half of the victims are from the United States,and we still have more 37 left to be paid the compensation of
$1,000,000.00 USD each. Your particulars was mentioned by one of the Syndicates who was arrested and undergoing investigation.
You are hereby warned not to communicate or duplicate this message to him for any reason whatsoever as the U.S. secret service
is already on trace of the other criminals. So keep it secret till they are all apprehended.Other victims
who have not been contacted can submit their application as well for scrutiny and possible consideration.
NFIU further told us that the use of Nigeria and Ghana Couriers were abolished due to interception activities noticed
in the above mentioned courier services in Benin,Nigeria and Ghana and thereby have made a concrete arrangement with a more
safer and secured Courier Company for a successful and smooth delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the
demand of conveyance. We advise that you do the needful to make sure the NFIU dispatches your Draft on Friday.You are assured
of the safety of your draft. Be advised to stop further contacts with all the fake lawyers and security companies who in
collaboration ripped you off. Get back to me immediately to check if the delivery date suits you.

Yours in service
Edward Scott

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam