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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
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:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "atmcardheadoffice1@yahoo.com" (this email address looks like addresses used in "ATM SWIFT card" scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- atmcardheadoffice1@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: jara james <jarajames66@yahoo.pt>
Reply-To: jara james <atmcardheadoffice1@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 03:45:47 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: NOTIFIACTIONS OF YOUR ATM CARD DELIVERY OK,,,KINDLY GET BACK TO
THEM NOW!!!

Â Hello My Dear.
Â I have contacted my secretary to confirm if you have received the compensation draft chequeof ($5.500.000.00) which I issued in your name,but he told me that he could not send it to youÂ because of some problem and courier charges. Now I have called my bank to cancel any paymentÂ regards to the draft cheque and then authorized them to transfer the payment into ATM CARD inÂ your name which they did.Â As of now be informed that the delivery charges has been paid and the ATM CARD is going to be inÂ your name, but to reactivate the ATM Card you have to forward your current information as requestedÂ below to the bank and then they will send you the ATM CARD for you immediate use.Â This likely what the bank will need from you.Here are the information you have to forward to the bank:Â 1. Your Full Names...........2. Postal Address............3. Phone Numbers.............4. Cell Numbers..............5. Emails Address............6. Sex.............7. Age.............8. Occupation................9. Nationality...............10 Your Attached Photo........
we are happy to inform you that all arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon asÂ possible and in our bid to transparency. It is my pleasure to inform you that your atm card information:
1. Your Personal identification Number is 82222. Visa Card Number: 41xxxxxxxxxxxx823. Card Value : $5,500,000.00 USD (United State Dollars)4. Expire: 06/20185. Cvv Number: 3xx6. Card maximum withdrawal permitted per day :$6,000.00 USD
We are a world class company that challenges itself to do the right thing, on time, the first timeWe have concluded delivery arrangement with all Courier Services, Courier Company to be fully insuredÂ by Nicon Insurance Corporation. In view of this development, you are requested to choose from theÂ options listed below your choice and cost of delivery.
1. DHL: $125.00USD2. UPS: $142.00 USD3. FedEx: $105.00 USD
Please confirm if you can be able to take this cost so that I can know how to proceed, and please beÂ informed that delivery will be made to your address in 48 hours (2 days) after our confirmation ofÂ this payment for delivery, as you know that the delivery fee receipt will be attached to your paymentÂ delivery documents to avoid being delayed by customs.
get back to me with your choice of courier which you would want to make the delivery of your parcel toÂ you delivery address. Know that payment for the delivery will be paid by you to the Inter-Switch accountantÂ so its could reach the courier company same day.
CONTACT DR.ODOH MBOMA.Director, ATM Foreign Operation Dept.OCEANIC BANK PLC BENIN REPUBLIC.Â Contact E-MAIL ADDRESS:( atmcardheadoffice1@yahoo.com )Â Therefore, you have to stop contacting anybody or offices regards the check draftÂ since i have authorsed the bank to issue you ATM CARD to withdraw your funds toÂ avoid any further problem.
Thanks and God bless you.Mr Tommy Morris.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam