419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "huge amount of money" (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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr. Narayan Ramtahal" <g.managergg@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <g.managerggg@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 13:56:35 +0000
Subject: =?windows-1256?Q?URGENT_ATT?= =?windows-1256?Q?ENTION_(PL?=
=?windows-1256?Q?EASE_REPLY?= =?windows-1256?Q?_BACK)=FE?=

Dear Friend,

I
would like to seek your help in a business transaction; It is a fact
that we have not met before neither have we had any previous business
dealings, but I strongly believe that with understanding and trust we
can have a successful business relationship.

For your information I am employee of Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. (Petrotrin).

I
have access to very vital information that can be used to move a huge
amount of money out of the Petrotrin's continuous catalyst regeneration
(CCR) platform project account to a secured account out of Trinidad and
Tobago. Ultimately I need a foreigner to play an important role in the
completion of this business
deal.

The funds in question was sourced from over an invoiced
billings and contracts for the; REVAMPING OF FLUID CATALYTIC CRACKING
UNIT (FCCU) AND UPGRADE OF THE PETROTRIN’S GASOLINE OPTIMIZATION AT THE
POINTE A PIERRE REFINERY. I have done my homework very well and have
machinery in place to ensure that this venture succeed and I therefore
asked of you if:

- You have a well serviced bank account that can receive huge transfer?

- You have a good relationship with your bankers?

- You can guarantee the safety of these funds in your account pending my arrival for disbursement?

If
YES, then I will need more information about you such as: Your Full
Names, Your Contact Tel, Your Office /Residential Address, Your
Occupation, Any form of ID .

On acceptance, Our Identities and total business plan package will be relayed to you in details.

Best Regards,

Dr. Narayan Ramtahal

Petroleum Co. of Trinidad and
Tobago Ltd. (Petrotrin)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam