419 scam: British High Commission <bhcb.89@gmail.com> DHL International Benin

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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. )
- "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)
- "cotonou" (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 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.
- dhldelivery9058@yahoo.it (Yahoo, Italy; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: British High Commission <bhcb.89@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2012 09:07:29 -0700
Subject: DHL International Benin

DHL International Benin
Lot No. 23 Patte D'Oie
03 BP 2147
Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Email. dhldelivery9058@yahoo.it

We write to inform you that your delivery address has been noted for
the delivery of your ATM CARD Valued six Million, Five Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars ($6.5 million USD) been deposited for
the purpose of delivery by the Bank Of Africa (BOA).

The delivery will commence tomorrow as we have received our delivery
fees but it important that a keeping fee must be secured before the
delivery can take place. This requirement was put to order by the This
office , We are sure for a successful delivery .

This keeping fee cost only $55.00usd a day, and be assured that once
we confirmed this payment, we will proceed with the delivery. So send
it to our cashier via western union with the information below.

Name: Obagha Anthony
Address: Cotonou, Benin Republic
Text Question: Code number?
Answer: 9800

Forward the payment information to us once you send the money, we will
get back to you once your package is despatched. I will forward your
package tracking reference number to you in my next message. Please
try to provide your direct phone number for easier and quicker
communication.

Thanks,
Yours Sincerely,
DR. CHARLES UDEH
Customer Care Unit.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam