419 scam: "Ban Ki-moon" <unitednations@unitednation.org> AWAITING YOUR URGENT RESPONSE ASAP'

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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Ban Ki-moon" <unitednations@unitednation.org>
Reply-To: unitednations_un@secretary.net
Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 05:55:28 -0400
Subject: AWAITING YOUR URGENT RESPONSE ASAP'

Attention:Beneficiary,

According to the comprehensive report from Mrs Linda Williams, a united
nations senior investigation officer. Whom the UN Director has instructed to
investigate on your Inheritance funds of $36 million united states dollars
that you were supposed to receive on the 15th of March 2008.

The affiliated paying bank is Central Bank Of Nigeria, "CBN" and from the
findings,we was convinced that your wire transfer did not get to you due to
the corrupt officer at the paying bank...

In fact, it was revealed that you were frustrated by the top officials of the
bank, at the end you gave up, and considered the funds not been REAL.

I am here today to inform you that your funds is 100% legitimate. what you
faced was trying to claim your funds from the wrong channel. Now with the
power confirmed by the Director United Nations, your funds is ready for
release in your favor.

You must get back to me immediately by completing the requested information Below:

Full Name:-----------------------------
Direct Mobile Number: ----------------------------
Residence Address: --------------------------
Age/ sex/ occupation: ---------------------------
A copy of your Driver's License
Full banking details:----------------------------------

I assure you that your transfer will be done within the next 48 hours once you
show maximum co operation with this investigation office.

Thanks!

Incumbent:Secretary-General of the
United Nations
Ban Ki-moon
since 1 January 2007

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam