419 scam: "U.S. Interpol" <wang@uni-nice.com> U.S. INTERPOL Washington DC (Urgent Information)

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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:
- "money laundering" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
- "clearance letter" (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. )
- "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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "U.S. Interpol" <wang@uni-nice.com>
Reply-To: us-interpol@gazeta.pl
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2022 12:56:30 -0600
Subject: U.S. INTERPOL Washington DC (Urgent Information)

U.S INTERPOL Washington
U.S. National Central Bureau
Washington, DC 20004, USA

Attention:

First of all, we present to you this commission, INTERPOL. We fight global crime, including internet fraud and money laundering. Our commission has identified over 27,000 fraudsters and we are still fighting these nefarious individuals. We are aware that many people have been deceived and huge sums of money have been lost and stolen.

The United Nations is committed to combating these crimes. As such, through their efforts and contributions, we have been able to recover over four hundred and twenty-two million dollars (US$422 Million) to date.

Among the details, yours was found to include your email. Our goal is to return all lost assets, including funds, to identified legitimate individuals. After a mandated investigation into those apprehended, the United Nations (UN) has approved a total sum of US$2.5 Million, as compensation for the funds you have lost. This amount will be paid to you in the coming days with your cooperation as we begin to conclude the investigation of your case.

Please we want to confirm if it is true that you are DEAD, as we received a clearance letter two days ago giving permission for Mrs Alison Robert to claim your fund, the letter identified Mrs Alison Robert as your loved ones said you passed away a few months ago from the coronavirus (COVID-19) and you authorized her to receive your compensation payment worth US$2.5 Million, is it true? We will ask you a series of questions to help us complete your file.

You therefore have 48 hours to confirm the authenticity of this authorization letter submitted by your family relative, if you are still alive, you must contact us again immediately, as we are working around the clock only to ensure that we are monitoring all ongoing activities with respect to the release of beneficiaries' inheritance and compensation payments to avoid mistransfer or lack of funds as we will not be liable thereafter.

You must respond urgently for clarification on this if you are still alive as we will be available 24 hours a day to assist you and provide you with the necessary official guidelines on how to ensure that your fund is returned to you immediately as the legitimate beneficiary.

Please also be aware that any further delay on your part could be dangerous, as we will not be held responsible for any incorrect payment to Mrs Alison Robert's account.

We await your prompt response to this notification via this email address: (USINTERPOL@ONET.COM.PL)

Best Regards.

Michael A. Hughes
Director
INTERPOL Washington DC.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam