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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:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Ban Ki-Moon" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mssonyaberg@xd.ae>
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2013 03:59:15 -0600
Subject: URGENT RESPOND NEEDED!

Attention:Dear Valid Beneficiary
 
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been seriously warned by the United State Government International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, United Nations (UN) and other international bodies to make sure we settle most of our outstanding foreign debts we owed to Next of Kin's, Fund Beneficiaries and foreign contractors that executed contract with us immediately, this program is organized by the Board of Trustees and Directors for the end of the Fiscal Year "POVERTY REDUCTION AND ERADICATION". We are using our reputable and well known organization to let you know that you are one of our chosen beneficiaries for this program of "SCAM VICTIM,POVERTY REDUCTION AND ERADICATION" in your country e-mail directory.
 
We hereby inform you that you have successfully being chosen and compensated for the sum of $750,000,00 in our West Africa regional Annex. Now, for the compensated price, you will have to contact the Finance House and the Compensation Department for your contract payment and claims of your compensated price. My dear beneficiary, below is the contact of the Finance House and Compensation Department (FHCD) for the collection and claims of your Funds.
 
UNITED NATIONS COMPENSATION AWARD PROGRAM
 
Contact Officer: Miss. Sonya Berg
EMAIL : mssonyaberg@xd.ae
 
You are to provide the following information.
 
YOUR FULL NAME:
AGE:
SEX:
OCCUPATION:
COUNTRY:
DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER:
HOUSE ADDRESS:
NEXT OF KIN:
 
Finally remember that I have forwarded instruction to the finance house on your behalf to expedite the Transfer of your funds to you as soon as you contact them without delay. Please be informed that you should treat this as confidential as ever and in good faith from the Board and Management of the Organization, Also be informed that your Funds must get to you as soon as you contact the agent.
 
Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hope to hear from you soon.
 
My sincere advice to you if you are a christian is that you should endeavour to pay your tithe to a bible believing church when you get your prize.
 
Your's Faithfully,
Ban Ki-Moon
UN SECRETARY GENERAL.

Anti-fraud resources: