419 scam: "Dr.Jim Ovia"<customersenquiries@zenithbank.com> FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR ZENITH BANK

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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "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. )
- "diplomatic.cargo@shqiptar.eu" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr.Jim Ovia" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <unitednation_dept@shqiptar.eu>
Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2015 17:24:42 +0800
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR ZENITH BANK

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR ZENITH BANK

OUR REF/ ZBPLC/00784/15

Attn:Beneficiary,

I have received both of your emails. I was away on business trip, so I did not have access to

emails yesterday. Sorry for delay in responses.

How are you today, I must let you know that you are running out of time regarding your

transaction bcos the United Nations delegates are coming down and they are planning to cancel

some transactions to avoid paying to the wrong person/impostors account.

And for that you are to hasten up making necessary steps so as to receive your cheque of

$USD100,000.00 or have the funds transferred to your account as soon as you meet with the

requirements.

I want you to furnish me your information below.

NAME:

AGE:

SEX:

ADDRESS:

DIRECT PHONE:

OCCUPATION:

COMPANY:

COUNTRY:

You are to contact the Account Officer by this email: diplomatic.cargo@shqiptar.eu

Thanks in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs.Theressa Williams

ZENITH BANK PLC

(Branch Manager)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam