419 scam: CITIBANK PLC <citibnk009@gmail.com> 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:
- ",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)
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
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.
- secretarygr111@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: CITIBANK PLC <citibnk009@gmail.com>
Reply-To: westjessica906@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 14 Jun 2015 09:55:10 -1200
Subject: ATTENTION

It is notable to inform you that the CITIBANK has received a payment advice
with instructions that we commence the immediate processing and Preparation
of your ATM CARD MONEY on your behalf, from MICROSOFT WORLDWIDE E-MAIL
LOTTO valued us$8,500,000 Only.

Congratulations! You have been shortlisted Receive US$8,500,000 due to the
recent Economic calamity that befalls the world stock market, this winning
is meant to help people to get of standard and help the world Economic
growth.

We requested that you notify us, about your receiving information, as we
are preparing and loading your fund in ATM Master Card Today. Do state it
below for clarity as we have schedule to release your fund within today as
soon as you update us with this information.

you are advice to re-confirm to us the below information to enable us
conclude this transaction with you:

YOUR FULL NAME:
GENDER:
OCCUPATION:
YOUR AGE AND MARITAL STATUS:
YOUR CURRENT AND CORRECT ADDRESS:
YOUR MOBILE TELEPHONE NUMBER:
YOUR NEXT OF KIN:

All transactions are subject to the by-laws and regulations of the
international monetary organization i.e IMF,World Bank Etc. To enable us
serve you promptly and efficiently, we require you to send us the above
listed information to avoid delivering your ATM CARD to wrong Person or
Address. Reply for immediate processing and release of your ATM CARD today.

I wait for your immediate response OK.
Regards,
MS JESSICA WEST
E-MAIL: secretarygr111@aol.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam