419 scam: "Dr. James AkuNkem." <deskoffice04@gmail.com> Be My Partner Please.

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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:
- "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. )
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "federal high court" (This court is often mentioned in '419' scams to give the victim a reason why he/she should send thousands of dollars to the scammers. A 'Federal High Court' exists in Germany and Nigeria, but not in other countries, such as the UK, Spain, Netherlands, Senegal, Benin, South Africa or other countries where fake lawyers in scams often claim to be based. )
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr. James AkuNkem." <deskoffice04@gmail.com>
Reply-To: drjamesakunkem@naver.com
Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2017 12:16:11 +0100
Subject: Be My Partner Please.

Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Debt Management Office
Foreign Debt Reconciliation Panel
Federal Secretariat Complex
Abuja - Nigeria.
Ref: FGN/DRC/59/MWH-17.

Dear Partner,

I know you must be surprised at this development but I choose to tell
you the truth because of my sincere wish to treat every man, as I
would expect to be treated. Apart from being surprise you may also
skeptical to reply me based on what is happening on the internet
world, one has to be very careful because a lot of scammers are out
there to scam innocent citizens and this has made it very difficult
for people to believe anything that comes through the internet. This
is my proposal, the presidency ordered for a thorough investigation on
Contract Payment Files as awarded by past administrations, after our
investigation i discovered a certain amount of money abandon while the
original contractors was fully paid, i am soliciting your support,
assistance and co-operation to move this fund to your bank account
where i believe it will be safe for further business investment in
your country under your supervisions.

The amount involve is Twenty Five Million, Five Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars only, which will be shared between ME and YOU in
the ratio of 50%-50%. This amount is not from your contract sum or
have anything related to your contract sum, rather it is a left over
from the amount used in paying Foreign/Local Contractors and it is
directly under my custody. I am offering you this deal because it was
executed by a foreigner and you are a foreigner too i can trust. To
commence the process of making you the beneficiary that executed this
contract in whose interest the payment is process, the following thing
and information must be available to empower us transfer this $25.5M
to your bank account within 7 days are as follows;

1) Your Full Names
2) Your Telephone Number
3) Your Detailed Bank Account information
4) Your Residing / Contact Address
5) The sum of US$850 that will be needed for Notarization of your
information's in the Federal High Court of Justice thereby making you
the bonafide owner of this fund. This is the TRUTH and NOTHING but the
truth, this is the only money you are expected to pay throughout the
duration of this business deal and no risk is attached whatsoever my
friend.

If you are interested to make this deal with me, you should contact me
immediately with the above information for commencement.

Thanks for your co-operation!!!
Best Regards,
Dr. James AkuNkem (Chairman)
Foreign Debt Reconciliation Panel
Debt Management Office (DMO).

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam