419 scam: Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer <"www."@vega.ocn.ne.jp> Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer

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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:
- "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. )
- "cotonou" (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.
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 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.
- +2299253921 (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.
- moneygramfransfer@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer <"www."@vega.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer <moneygramfransfer@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2017 21:48:48 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer

Welcome to the MoneyGram Money Transfer
Send Money Worldwide office Department Of MoneyGram Cotonou
Benin Republic; Address:1500 Akpakpa Avenue, Cotonou;
Benin Visit Us Via Website: http://www.moneygram.com

Good News Ref # 94575379

This is to notify you about the latest development concerning all the payment
that are left in our custody, which yours are inclusive besides, where you are
given a bill of Sum in order to receive your payment which we haven't heard
from you for sometime now. Hence, our MoneyGram is now offering a Special BONUS
to help all our customers that are having one problem or the other of payments
in our custody due to high price. In other words we are now requesting that
those involved should pay only the sum of $55. to receive all their payment
abandoned in our custody.

Besides, my dear, this is the opportunity for you to comply and your funds
shall be transfer to your designated address. But remember after three working
days grace elapse it will be diverted to the Government Coffers, So to avoid
problems, you have to send the fee as soon as possible.

Again after (THREE DAYS) we shall enter a new Program for the Month and that is
the reason why we decided to help all our Numerous Customers before we enter
into the new project.

Track the status of your fund with our site: (https://secure.moneygram.com/track

Your Reference # 94575379
Sender Last Name : Ambros
Programed Amount : $3,5936

Go go to any MoneyGram outlets around you and make the payment with the under-
listed information.

Receiver's name: James Efeh
Country: Benin Republic
City: Cotonou
Text Question: Yes
Answer: Yes
Amount required: $55
Sender's Name: ?
Ref #: ?
Sender$B!G(Bs address:?

The moment We received the payment of $55, your first payment of $3,5936 which
we have already programmed will be released to you immediately and subsequent
ones till your total funds are completely transferred to you.

We are waiting for your immediate compliance.

Thanks,
Dr. Mark Ambros
Director MoneyGram Benin Republic
Call us .........+229-9253921
Email: {moneygramfransfer@gmail.com}

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam