419 scam: Vitou Aligbonon <vitou220508@gmail.com> Good Morning Dear Tyler Mietz

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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "necessary legal documents" (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. )
- "huge deposit" (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)
- "million dollars" (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)
- "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22968051826 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- aligbonon.vitou@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Vitou Aligbonon <vitou220508@gmail.com>
Reply-To: aligbonon.vitou@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 2015 16:18:35 +0100
Subject: Good Morning Dear Tyler Mietz

Cabinet D'Avocats Vitou Aligbonon & Partners
Cotonou, Benin Office
Agontikon - Cotonou, Lot 1108 Parcelle "p"
BP 01 144 Cotonou, Benin
Email:aligbonon.vitou@gmail.com,
Telephone: +229 68051826

Good Morning Dear Tyler Mietz

I am Vitou Aligbonon, personal attorney to Late Michael Mietz, my
client a national of your country, who used to be an Oil dealer here
in Benin Republic West Africa Here. shall be referred to as my client.

On the 21st of May 2010, my client, His wife and their three Children
were involved in a auto accident. All occupants of the vehicle
unfortunately lost their live. Since then I have made several
enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended
relatives this has also proved Unsuccessful.

I have contacted you so that you can help to repatriate some money
left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared
unserviceable by the Apex Central Bank here in Republic of Benin.
These huge deposits were lodged particularly, with the BANQUE
ATLANTIQUE BENIN (BAB)" where the Deceased had an account valued at
about $18.5 million dollars.

The Bank has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the
account confiscated. Since I have been unsuccessful in Locating the
relatives for over 4 years now, I seek your consent to present you as
the next of kin of the deceased since you have The same last name so
that the proceeds of this account valued at $18.5 million dollars can
be paid to you, then you and I will Share the money.40% for me and 60%
for you, I will procure all Necessary legal documents that can be used
to back up any claim we may make. All I require is your honest
cooperation to enable us in seeing this Deal through. I guarantee you
that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will
protect you from any breach of the law. I will like you to give me
your following information's for more details;

1. your Age
2. your full name and address
3. your office,home and Moblie numbers
4. your occupations and position

I am waiting for your urgent response as soon as possible and please
reply me to my private email address (aligbonon.vitou@gmail.com, ).

Thanks and regard,

Vitou Aligbonon Esq.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam