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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.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.Mamooud Hassan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mamooudhassan@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Sep 2012 03:37:58 -0700
Subject: RE:

 
NIGERIA NATIONAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION (NNPC)
7, Falomo Close Ikoyi,
Lagos state.
Nigeria.
 
ATTN: PRESIDENT/DIRECTOR,
 
I am Mr.Mamooud Hassan the chief accountant of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
 
Sir, My corporation (NNPC) awarded a contract of US$186,700.00 (One Hundred & Eighty-Six Million, Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollars only) to a foreign firm to supply Rig and Drilling Equipment for Port Harcourt River State Refinery here in Nigeria but because of my position, this contract was over invoiced to US$45,300,000.00(Forty-Five Million Three Hundred Thousand United states Dollars).
 
The original contract sum has been paid to the contractors that executed the project, now we are left with the sum of US$45,300,000.00(Forty-Five million, Three Hundred thousand U.S.Dollars only).
 
All arrangements have been concluded on how this money will be moved.
 
My constraints lie on the fact that I required a foreign firm or individual account number where the money will be paid into; whose owner will be portrayed as a contractor/ beneficiary of fund. Infact this is while I am writing you this letter.
 
NOTE: There is no risk involved, as I have taken care of all, loopholes covered.
 
As a civil servant, I am aware that some financial assistance would be required to conclude this job; we are prepared to give as much as 35% of the total sum to you for your assistance, while 60% of the total sum will go for me and my colleagues. To this effect, 5% would be earmarked to cover all the expenses (local and international).
 
This is because the process would pass through some Directors in the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
 
These officials might require some tips to facilitate payment without delay since they are not aware of the deal.
 
Please should you not be in a position to assist me, this deal has to remain a top secret till the end of time, it is important I mention that the officials involved in this transaction are men of integrity and prestige in this great country Nigeria.
 
You may open a separate bank account in any country for this purpose if you wish. All arrangements of this quarter payment for the year, 2012 have been properly organized and further action awaits your immediate response.
 
Hurry and send to me your detailed information comprising of your real name, address, direct telephone & fax numbers and most importantly an attached copy of your personal identification for the payment approvals.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Best regards.
 
Mr. Mamooud Hassan
Chief Accountant of (NNPC)

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