419 scam: "FBI"<info@fbi.org> ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!ATTENTION!!!

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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:
- "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. )
- "money gram" (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. )
- "mtcn" (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. )
- ",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)
- "foreign exchange" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cashiers check" (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. )
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
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.

Fraud email example:

From: "FBI" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Fbi_Edward@consultant.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2015 22:14:26 -0600
Subject: ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!ATTENTION!!!

This is to acknowledged the receipt of your email as per directed by Nicholas Story of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to be in contact with me,you are
receiving this sum as a result of Lost contract,lottery,inheritance,Gamble and been a scammed victim and the likes.Please Note this not Related to any form of Scam
just do what you are asked to do as this is the only way it Can work out for you not to be swindled again and Recover all your Lost Efforts in Life.i am however happy
to inform you that our legal department has concluded Authentication of your compensated claim,Credit control unit allocated foreign exchange for your payment and you
have finally been approved for payment.We have also completed all paper works for the transfer of your (Cashiers Check) totaled $8,500,000.00 Your details were received in respect to the shipping of your package as we will be sending your (Cashiers Check) via USPS Courier Service upon the receipt of the shipping fees of $175.00 with 100% no extra charge or hidden fees involved.

Below are the list USPS Tracking Number of those who previously received there payment Last week;

NAME: SANCHEZ;usps Tracking no.:9405 5036 9930 0360 9918 87 (www.usps.com)
NAME: R. JENZ;usps Tracking no.:9405 5036 9930 0361 0083 79 (www.usps.com)
NAME: R.EDMA; usps Tracking no.:9405 5036 9930 0361 0083 48 (www.usps.com)
NAME: CARLOS; usps Tracking no.:9405 5036 9930 0361 0082 87 (www.usps.com)
NAME: O.JOSH; usps Tracking no.:9405 5036 9930 0361 0044 94 (www.usps.com) ;
NB:what means of identification do you Require?

We guarantee delivery of package to reach you by 48 working hours after payment has been received and we want you to stop communication with any other person claiming
to release payment to you.Please be warned!

In order to pay for the shipping of your package you are to make payment via Western Union or Money Gram in any Kroger store,Walmart outlet or Groceries store closest to you and make payment in the name of our Financial Controller stated below;

Payment Information;
Receiver's Name: Sandra Adams
City: sayre
Country : USA
Zip code: 73622
Test Question: When?
Test Answer: Today.
Amount: $375.00

After making payment,do provide us with the following information as evidence of payment as written on the western union or money gram payment receipt.

You have to fill everything below as soon as you make the payment and a scan copy of the payment slip.

Senders Name:?
Senders Address:?
MTCN# (10 digit Western Union) or if Money Gram 8 digits:
Amount Sent:
Indicate if Western Union or Money Gram:

You are advised to make it known to us when we shall be receiving the confirmation of your payment receipt so that we will Arrange for the shipping of your Parcel
immediately.

We expect your feedback as soon as possible.
Thanks and remain blessed.

Sincerely,
From: Mr. Collins Edward
Central District Area

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam