419 scam: Usa Embassy <upsdeliverysevice@yahoo.cn> ATTENTION, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

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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:
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "are expected to pay " (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. )
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "united state of america" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22966304784 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- usaembassy512@rocketmail.com (Rocketmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: Usa Embassy <upsdeliverysevice@yahoo.cn>
Reply-To: usaembassy512@rocketmail.com
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2013 10:33:07 +0800 (CST)
Subject: ATTENTION, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington , DC 20520
Email (usaembassy512@rocketmail.com)

Greeting from USA Embassy,

THIS MAIL IS ONLY FOR THE OWNER OF THIS E-MAIL ADDRESS

ATTENTION, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN

This
is to notify you that your valuable package has been in our custody
waiting for your comply before the delivery will be effected to your
delivery address. We have been waiting for you to contact us regarding
your valuable package which Courier Company suppose to deliver to you
which was on hold by US Department of State Bureau and
requesting for clearance certificate which will be obtain from the
origination of the valuable package before it will be released. As a
result of you not comply within duration given by Benin Government that is the reason the valuable package was diverted to treasury. All
the welfare of United States Citizen is my consing. Am here to take the
protocol of all our citizens to not be cheated by Africans.

After the meeting held by our board of director which was concluded that the delivery of your valuable package
of 10.5million USA dollar to your address must be complete within three
working days upon your comply to our requirement which is by sending
the sum of $285.00 to enable us obtain the needed certificate and effect
with the delivery of your package immediately. Note that your package
has been arrived in US embassy and waiting to receive clearance
certificate before the gate pass is given. Mean while you are advice to
reconfirm the below information upon contacting us to avoid delivery to
wrong person. 1, Your full name:
2, Your home address:
3, Your occupation :  4, Direct Telephone Number
Once you notify us with the above information we will release your
package to you,

Contact the Embassy Office Direct
with the following information Below,Email: (usaembassy512@rocketmail.com)
Contact person, Mr Jimmy Bill
telephone number: 00229 66304784

Note that you are expected to pay only $285.00 for clearance certificate and
you are to pay it to Benin Republic as the origination of the package in the information
our accountant officer in Benin Republic Send the $285.00 Confirm your
readiness in sending the fee and we shall provide you information where
you will send the $285.

Please treat this as matter of urgency .
Note that any unclaimed package will be return to the  Courier
Company after 3 days for final diversion.

So you are urgently advise to comply with our demand so that we
will
release your consignment.
Regard,

Hon Roland Mark. Public Relation Officer United State Embassy.FROM UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam