419 scam: "IRS"<info@lee.com> RE: Internal Revenue Service ( Foriegn Department ) 204.93.178.202

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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:
- "moneygram" (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. )
- "consignment " (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.
MoneyGram money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. Along with Western Union it is a preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
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.
- johnmmjohn45@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "IRS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <j_koskinen15@yahoo.com.br>
Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 02:52:53 -0700
Subject: RE: Internal Revenue Service ( Foriegn Department ) 204.93.178.202

U.S.A.Internal Revenue Service Department,

Foreign Claims Judgment Fund Branch

Bureau of the Fiscal Service

1111 Constitution Avenue,

NW Washington, DC 20224

Email: johnmmjohn45@gmail.com

Attention Sir/Madam

We write to inform you that your package with reference number 2661428 which is a sum of $3,500.000.00USD, has been released by HOMELAND SECURITY SERVICE under our order with the power of this office.

Waiting upon resolutions of claiming Ownership Certificate for them to release your said package to you. Delivery will be to your designated domicile address by the United State Postal Service Agent. A confirmation has been made on your behalf with the USA Homeland Security Service and to the Government of the origin of your funds.

It has been concluded that the delivery of your package will be at your doorstep within (3) working days excluding weekends, upon your compliance to our directives and with the power of this office;

You are to make a compulsory payment of $500.00USD to obtain the needed paperwork Of Ownership Certificate from Benin Republic, which is the paying Government. The Claiming Of Ownership Certificate which is initially on the high price has been cut down by the US Embassy. Considering the poor economic situations that makes it difficult for the middle class citizens to meet up with the required fin for clearance of their entitlement. Upon the confirmation of your Claiming Of Ownership Certificate, the United State Postal Service Agent shall act upon confirmation and proceed with the delivery of your package to the said sum of $3.5mUSD to your designated domicile address.

Meanwhile you are advised to reconfirm the below information upon contacting us to avoid errors in process; and a scanned copy of your MoneyGram sending receipt, which is very much needed for obtaining Ownership Certificate from Benin Republic. This is an important issue and must be attended to promptly. This said fine you are to pay is what the Homeland Security Service is waiting on.

1- Your Full Name:

2- Your Delivery Address:

3- Your Contact Telephone Number:

4- Your Occupation:

5- Your Identification (Passport number or ID Card number): The above details are highly needed.

Note that you are expected to pay only $500.00usd for the Claiming Of Ownership Certificate and payment should be maid to our avalaible cashier.

Receivers Name:====Sharon Dent

Receivers Address: Ontario, Canada

Amount to be sent:===========$500.00usd

When this MoneyGram transfer has been made to the above name, you have to notify us with the Reference Number so we proceed.

All unclaimed consignment will be returned to Benin Republic Government after 7days. So you are urgently advised to comply with our directives in order for the Homeland Security Service to fulfill their services.

Yours Sincerely

Mr John Koskinen

Commissioner Of Department.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam