Nigerian Scams
Nigerian, or "419", scams are one of the most common types of fraudulent email currently hitting inboxes. Nigerian scam messages can also arrive via fax or letter. The messages generally claim that your help is needed to access a large sum of money, usually many millions of dollars. In fact, this money does not exist. The messages are an opening gambit designed to draw potential victims deeper into the scam. Those who initiate a dialogue with the scammers by replying to a Nigerian scam message will eventually be asked for advance fees supposedly required to allow the deal to proceed. They may also become the victims of identity theft.
If you receive one of these scam emails, it is important that you do not respond to it in any way. The scammers are likely to act upon any response from those they see as potential victims. Although it can be educational and even entertaining to "bait" these scammers, such endeavours should only be attempted under controlled conditions. The people who run these scams are criminals and could even resort to violence and intimidation to meet their aims. You can forward Nigerian scam messages to the address supplied on the FraudWatch International website for further investigation.
What To Do If You Have Submitted Information to Nigerian Scammers
If you have supplied banking details, a large amount of personal information, and copies of your driver's licence and passport to the scammers, then you may become a victim of identity theft. For details on what to do, read the Help for Victims of Identity Theft article on the FraudWatch International website.
What To Do If You Have Already Given Money To Nigerian Scammers
Unfortunately, there is probably very little you can do to recover any money you have already supplied. However, you should inform your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible. Also, take steps to protect your identity by reading the Help for Victims of Identity
Package Deposited in Your Name Scam Email
Summary: Email claims that a package deposited in your name contains a large sum of money in cash and is being held for you by a group of diplomats. Status: False, this is a typical Nigerian scam. Example:(Submitted, August 2006)
Subject: Package deposited in your name here This is an official notification of the availability of a package deposited in your name and it is not a sales solicitation or SPAM. We are Diplomats that use our immunity and status to safekeep special and valuable packages and baggage in trust for reputable clients that are honest and trustworthy. We work in collaboration with top firms and Governments of various countries as we have earned a name as a service whose hallmarks in reliability and confidentiality are revered. International missions, Fellow Diplomats and Embassies of the world have used our services to satisfaction. A benefactor whose identity can not be disclosed because of the Non Circumvention and Non Disclosure Agreement that was signed with the said benefactor when the packages were being deposited made you the beneficiary of a package containing some amount of money and stated clearly that you should only be contacted when the time signed for it to be in our care elapses and the time has already elapsed that is why you are being contacted. The Non Circumvention and Non Disclosure Agreement signed with the benefactor mandates us to fully divulge and disclose the benefactor's identity 18 months after the beneficiary has received the funds. The funds in the package is (Two Million,Seven Hundred Thousand U.S.Dollars) and we confirm that these funds are fully free of any liens, or encumbrances and are clean, clear and non-criminal origin and are available in the form of CASH. You are hereby advised to send your Full Contact Information as well as the name of the closest airport to your city in the format stated below so that the funds would be brought to your Country of residence by 3 Diplomats who would accompany you to your bank (if you want them to) to deposit the funds in your name and submit all documentations that has to do with the origin of the funds in other to exonerate you from any form of investigations or interrogation and to authenticate the fact that the funds are clean and has no links whatsover with either drugs or terrorism. The Requested Information is to ensure that no mistake or error is made and it should be forwarded in the manner stated below: Your Full Name: ______________________________ Your Complete Address: ________________________________ Name of City of Residence: ____________________ Name of Closest Airport to your city of Residence:_________________________________ Direct Telephone Number:____________________________________ The Telephone number is very necessary because the number would be called by the Diplomats before the funds would be handed over to you so as to ensure that the package is handed over to the right person. So,its mandatory you send your Direct Telephone Number preferably your Mobile or Cell Phone Number. Complete the above and send back to me as soon as possible. We are waiting for your response. God be with you. Mrs Kirsten Windus.
Commentary: This scam message tries to convince the recipient that some unnamed benefactor has deposited a package for her or him that contains a very large amount of cash. The message claims that the benefactor left the package with a group of diplomats along with strict instructions that the package not be released until a specified period has passed. Supposedly, these "diplomats" provide a package safekeeping service to governments and organizations around the world and are able to use their immunity and status to ensure that "special and valuable packages and baggage" are safely and securely held in trust. However, these rather unlikely claims are, of course, pure nonsense. The message is simply a variation of a long running swindle known as the Nigerian or "419" scam. There is no package full of cash nor is there any such diplomat managed "service". Victims who reply to the message will be drawn deeper into the scam via further emails, letters and phone calls. Eventually, they will be asked to pay fees to procure the release of the "package". The scammers use a variety of excuses to explain why these fees must be paid. The aim of the scammers is to steal as much money from their victim as possible. Demands for further fees are likely to continue until the victim finally realizes that he or she is being conned. If the scammers have managed to collect enough personal information from the victim, they may also be able to steal his or her identity.
Summary: Email claims that the recipient may be entitled to a large sum of money as the next of kin of a person who died in the London bombings. Status: False (scam) Example:(Submitted, August 2005)
Dear [Name removed], UPON THE INSTRUCTIONS Based on the instructions of Her Majesty Queen of England, who directed most fund of money or assets of those that died in the last London Bomb blast should be realized to their families. I am writing to you for a next of kin beneficiary of our customer who died in the bomb blast as well, he is [Name removed] beneficiary of A/C Number 00414610410 coded Account amount to $3.5 million. Inform us if you are related to this client, to enable us arrange and bring the money to you in your country. With Regards. Your responds:-Inform us your Mobile Tel, Fax number, Office Tel, for easy reach. On behalf of our Bank and the Government of Great Britain, We are so sorry for the lost of your relation. Confirm the Receipts of this message by reply mail
Charity Funds Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Submitted, May 2005)
Subject: Dearly Beloved My Dearly Beloved, It is by the grace of God that I received Christ,having known the truth,I had no choice than to do what is lawful and right in the sight of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God´s mercy and glory upon my life. I am Mrs Melissa Pointer the wife of Mr Harry Pointer,my husband worked with the Chevron/Texaco in Kenya for twenty years before he died in the year 2001.We were married for ten years without a child.My Husband died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days.Before his death we were both born again Christians. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against.When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of US $3.5M.(Three Million Five Hundred Thousand U.S.Dollars) with a Bank in Europe.Presently,this money is still with the Bank and the management just wrote me as the beneficiary to come forward to sign for the release of this money or rather issue a letter of authorization to somebody to receive it on my behalf if I can not come over. Presently,I'm in a hospital in Kenya where I have been undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer.I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have only a few weeks to live.It is my last wish to see this money distributed to charity organizations any where in the World.Because relatives and friends have plundered so much of my wealth since my illness,I cannot live with the agony of entrusting this huge responsibility to any of them. Please,I beg you in the name of God to help me Stand and collect the Funds from the Bank. I want a person that is God fearing that will use this money to fund churches,orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained. The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth.I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused by unbelievers.I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner.Hence the reason for taking this bold decision.I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going.I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus {14 VS 14}says that the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace.I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my soundless voice and presence of my husband's relatives around me always.I don't want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of my attorney who is in Europe as he will be the one to assist you in laying claims for this funds. Your's Truly, MRS.Melissa Pointer.
Tsunami Donations Nigerian Scam
Summary: Nigerian scam email claims to be from a rich but terminally ill merchant who needs help to distribute his fortune to the victims of the Asian tsunami. Status: False Example:(Received form scammers, January 2005)
SUBJECT: TSUNAMI DONATIONS Dear Friend As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday. My name is Andrew Adams a merchant in PHILIPPINES, I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer .It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now i regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the U.A.E, Algeria and Malaysia, Indian and Pakistan. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts in Switzerland and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. Now I want you to assist me in getting some cash deposit claim and distribute to charity and people of the tsunami disaster. The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge Cash deposit of $36,000.000.00 million united states dollars that I have with a finance/Security Company abroad. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations. I have set aside twenty percent for you and for your time. My email address is: [removed] regards, Andrew Adam
Commentary: Scammers are using the immense tragedy of the Asian tsunami to pray on the good nature of potential victims. The Nigerian scam email included above asks recipients to help distribute the wealth of a dying merchant to tsunami victims. A cover story of a dying merchant requesting help to give his or her money to charity is a common Nigerian scam tactic. In fact, the version above is virtually identical to many others I have received except that it attempts to capitalize on the tsunami and uses a different name, supposed country of origin and contact details. For example, the version included below was received in July, 2004. Nigerian, or "419", scams are one of the most common types of Internet fraud. The messages generally claim that your help is needed to access a large sum of money. In fact, this money does not exist. The messages are an opening gambit designed to draw potential victims deeper into the scam. Those who begin to correspond with the scammers by replying to the scam messages will eventually be asked for fees or charges supposedly required to allow the deal to proceed. It should be noted that, in spite of the name, not all "Nigerian" scams originate out of Nigeria. The scammers operate out of many different nations around the world. For more information about Nigerian scams, see: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information An earlier example (July 2004):
Subject: Charity Assistance Hello Friend. As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me because i believe everyone will die someday. My name is Sanni Saed, a merchant in Dubai U.A.E. I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer . It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone(not even myself)but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business asthat was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the moneyin the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give alms to charity oganizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of twenty million united states dollars that I have with a finance/Security Company abroad. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations. I have set aside 10 % for you and for your time. God be with you. Regards, Sanni Saed.
Charity Assistance - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, July 2004)
Subject: Charity Assistance Hello Friend. As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me because i believe everyone will die someday. My name is Sanni Saed, a merchant in Dubai U.A.E. I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer . It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone(not even myself)but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business asthat was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the moneyin the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give alms to charity ganizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of twenty million united states dollars that I have with a finance/Security Company abroad. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations. I have set aside 10 % for you and for your time. God be with you. Regards, Sanni Saed.
Over-invoiced Contract - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, July 2004)
Dear Friend, REQUEST FOR URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE After due deliberation with my children, I decided to contact you for your assistance in standing as a beneficiary to the sum of US30.5M Thirty Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) First, let me start by introducing myself as Mrs. Stella Sigcau, a mother of three children and the Minister of Public Works in South African Government (17 June 1999) to date under the auspices of the President of South Africa MR THABO MBEKI. You can view my profile at my website: http://www.gov.za/gol/gcis_profile.jsp?id=1068 THE PROPOSAL After the swearing in ceremony making me the Minister of Public Works in South African Government (17 June 1999) , my husband Mr Edelebe Sigcau died while he was on an official trip to Trinidad and Tobago in 1996.After his death, I discovered that he had some funds in a dollar account which amounted to the sum of US$30.5M with the BANK OF ENGLAND which had her offshore House in HOLLAND IN MASTERDAM This fund emanated as a result of an over-invoiced contract which he executed with the Government of South Africa. Though I assisted him in getting this contract but I never knew that it was over-invoiced by him. I am afraid that the government of South Africa might start to investigate on contracts awarded from 1990 to date.If they discover this money in his bank account, they will confiscate it and seize his assets here in South Africa and this will definetely affect my political career in Govern I want your assistance in opening an account with GLOBAL CREDIT COMISSION. THE BANK IN AMSTERDAM WHERE THE MONEY IS KEPT through my Attorney so that this fund could be wired into your account directly without any hitch. As soon as the fund gets to your account, you are expected to move it immediately into another personal bank account in your country. I will see to it that the account is not traced from South Africa. As soon as you have confirmed the fund into your account, I will send my elde SHARING PERCENTAGE For your assistance, I am offering you 20% of the principal sum which amounts to US$6,100.000.00 (Six million One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) However, you have to assure me and also be ready to go into agreement with me that you will not elope with my fund. If you agree to my terms, kindly as a matter of urgency send me an email. Due to my sensitive position in the South African Government, I would not WANT you to call me on phone or send a fax to me. All correspondence must be by mail. If you want to speak with my Attorney, that is fine and okay by me. His chambers will be representing my interest at the GLOBAL CREDIT COMMISION. All correspondence must be made either to my Attorney Barrister Richard Lithuli, of Lithuli Chambers,or send me an email. I will also like you to give me your contact address,telephone and fax to enable my Attorney call or reach you from time to time. Please I do not need to remind you of the need for absolute Confidentiality if this transaction must succeed. YOU MUST NOT CALL ME! If you do not feel comfortable with this transaction, do not hesitate to discontinue. Thanks for your anticipated co-operation and my regards to your family. Yours faithfully, MRS. STELLA SIGCAU, Minister of Public Works, South Africa.
Next of Kin Stand In - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, July 2004)
Subject: CAN YOU BE TRUSTED? Owen Clarke Tel: 234-805-590-0580,234-803-570-1989 Secured Email: owencclarke@mjonesfamily.org Attention, Dear Partner PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL My name is Owen Clarke, I am the credit manager in a bank here in the West Africa. I am contacting you of a business transfer, of a huge sum of money from a deceased account. Though I know that a transaction of this magnitude will make any one apprehensive and worried, but I am assuring you that everything has been well taken care off, and all will be well at the end of the day. I decided to contact you due to the urgency of this transaction.To ease your apprehension, I got your contact from the British chambers of commerce and industry, foreign trade division. PROPOSITION; I am the account officer of a foreigner named Gerald Welsh who died in an air crash along with his wife on the 31st October 1999 in an Egyptian airline 990 with other passengers on board. You can confirm this from the website below which was published by CNN.WEBSITE. http://www.cnn.com/US/9911/02/egyptair990.list/index.html Since his death, none of his next-of-kin are alive to make claims for this money as his heir, because they all died in the same accident(May his soul rest in peace). We cannot release the fund from his account unless someone applies for claim as the next-of-kin to the deceased as indicated in our banking guidelines. Upon this discovery, I now seek your permission to have you stand as a next of kin to the deceased, as all documentations will be carefully worked out by a lawyer for the funds Twenty- Eight million, Five Hundred Thousand United States dollars (US$28,500,000.00) in a domiciliary account to be released in your favour as the beneficiary's next of kin. Because after four years the money will be called back to the bank treasury as unclaimed bills and the money shared amongst the directors of the bank. so it is on this note i decided to seek for whom his name shall be used as the next of kin/beneficiary to this funds rather than allow the bank directors to shar! e thi! s money amongst themselves at the end of the year. It may interest you to know that we have secured from the probate an order of mandamus to locate any of the deceased beneficiaries. Please acknowledge receipt of this message in acceptance of our mutual business endeavor by furnishing me with the following information if you are interested. 1.A Beneficiary name.In order for me to prepare the PAPER WORK for transfer of the funds in your name. 2.Details particulars of your contact address. 3. Direct Telephone and fax numbers;.For our personal contact. I shall be compensating you with 25% of the total sum on final conclusion of this project for your assistance, as I have also thought of doling out 5% to charity organisation from your locality based on your recommendation another 5% for the services of the lawyer while the balance 65% shall be for me for investment purposes in your country as i cannot bring back this cash to my country. If this proposal is acceptable by you, please endeavor to contact me immediately. Do not take undue advantage of the trust I have bestowed in you by informing you of this transaction from my bank as I will advise you to kindly desist from responding at all if you do NOT intend to render any assistance. Endeavour to respond via my secured email address: owencclarke@mjonesfamily.org Thanks and best regards, OWEN CLARKE
Farmers of Zimbabwe - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, August 2004)
Dear friend My name is Teressa Macurley the daughter of Mr.williams macurley of Zimbabwe.It might be a surprise to you where I got your contact address but I got your contact address from the Johannesburg Chambers of Trade and Commerce. During the last crises against the farmers of Zimbabwe by the supporters of our President Robert Mugabe to claim the farms in our country, he ordered all the farmers to surrender their farms to his party members and their followers.My father was one of the best farmers in the country and knowing that he did not support the Presidents political ideology, the Presidents supporters invaded my fathers farm burnt down everything, killed him and confiscated all his investments. After the death of my father, my mother and I decided to move out of Zimbabwe for the safety of our lives! . We took along with us the money my father kept in the safe in my mothers house,which amounted to the sum of US$7Million to the Republic of South Africa.where we now seek political asylum. the money has been tranfered to a finacial house overseas My Mother and I have decided to contact any reliable overseas firm or persons who could assist us to claim this money out from the finacial house because we as asylum seeker here in South Africa we are not allowed certain financial rights like operating a bank account. We need you to open a non-resident account through which this fund will be channeled out to your nominated overseas account.If my preposition is considered, for assisting us to transfer this money to your country, we will offer you $1million dollars of the total fund, while me and my family will like to invest in your country under your guidance and assistance. Your urgent response to my personal box will be h! ighly appreciated. ( teresamac@pochta.ru) anxiously waiting for you reply. thank you. Best regards, Teresa Macurley For the family.
Wema Bank Lagos Nigeria - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, August 2004)
Subject: Contact me urgently MR.GEORGE EZE, WEMA BANK PLC LAGOS NIGERIA RE: TRANSFER OF ($19,780,000.00 USD) NINETEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED AND EITHY THUSAND DOLLARS(URGENT & CONFIDENTIAL) Dear Friend, I have the honor and confidence to introduce you to this business in view of the fact that you are trustworthy and reliable. I am Mr.George Eze. I work in the foreign Payment Department of WEMA BANK PLC LAGOS NIGERIA. There is an account opened in our bank in 1990 but since 1996 nobody has operated on this account again. After a private investigation I discovered that the owner of this account was the manager of U.MARTINES CO.LTD - a foreigner who has since died without having a beneficially to this account. My investigation proved to me also that nobody from the company knows about this account since the company has not become operational. The amount contained in this account is US$19,780,000 USD. It is my wish and intention to take this fund abroad for investment. My colleague and I will need you to set up a new account for this transfer and send to us Or you might send an existing account with no fund in it for us to use. We will use normal banking proceedure to transfer the fund legally. I will bring my position and influence to facilitate transfer immediately by legal means. What we request is absolute secrecy and confidentiality. And that you will never never disappoint us when fund is transfered to your account. There is no risk to this business as I will follow the normal banking proceedure. When this fund is transfered to any account you will provide I will bring all documents used in this process to destroy them in your presence when I come over for my share. Sharing shall be 20% for you, 75% for me and the remaining 5% to offset any expenses done by each party cause in business every cent spent counts. Contact me urgently at georgeeze2k2@yahoo.com Best Regards, Mr. George Eze.
Abandoned Sum in Foreign Account - Nigerian Scam Example
The message below is a typical example of a Nigerian scam email. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Nigerian Scam Example:(Received from scammers, August 2004)
(URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL) COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON Good Day! I am the manager of bills and exchange at the foriegn remittance department of the (ABN AMRO BANK AMSTERDAM ). I am writting you this letter to ask for your support and co-operation to carry out this transaction. We discovered some abandoned sum $15,500,000(FIFTEEN MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND U.S DOLLAR ) in an account that belongs to one of our foriegn customer who died along-side his entire family in march this year in a terrorist train bomb blast in Spain some few months ago.Since this development,we have advertised for his next of kin or any close relation to come forward to claim this money,but nobody came yet to apply for the claim. To this effect,i and other official in my department have decided to look for a trusted foriegn partner who can stand in as the next of kin of the deceased as we cannot do it only ourselves and claim this money.We need a foreign partner to apply for the claim on our behalf because of the fact that the customer was a foreign and we don't want this money to go into the treasury as unclaimed fund. Every document to effect this process will emanate from my table and i will perfect every document to be in accordance with the banking law and guideline,so you have nothing to worry about and we have agreed that 30% of this money will be for you,while 10%will be for any expenses incured on both sides wihile 60% will be for my colleagues and me. If you are willing to help us,please indicate by replying this letter and putting in your name, private telephone number,fax and permanent residential address via my private email address below.I awaits your immediate response to enable us start this transaction as soon as i recieved your reply,i will send you a text application form for immediate APPLICATIION OF CLAIM. Please contact me even if you are not intrested in my proposal to you to enable us scout for another partner in the event of non-interest on your part. Thanks for your co-operation E-MAIL :pietjan2000@netscape.net Mr Piet Van Jan
Several Nigerian Scam Examples
A collection of typical Nigerian scam emails. For more information about Nigerian Scams, please return to: Nigerian Scams - 419 Scam Information
Examples:(Collected via email, 2002, 2003)
FROM: MR DAN PATRICK. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO. ALTERNATIVE EMAIL: (patrickdan@rediffmail.com). Dear Sir, SEEKING YOUR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. Please permit me to make your acquaintance in so informal a manner. This is necessitated by my urgent need to reach a dependable and trust wordy foreign partner. This request may seem strange and unsolicited but I will crave your indulgence and pray that you view it seriously. My name is. DAN PATRICK of the Democratic Republic of Congo and One of the close aides to the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo LAURENT KABILA of blessed memory, may his soul rest in peace. Due to the military campaign of LAURENT KABILA to force out the rebels in my country, I and some of my colleagues were instructed by Late President Kabila to go abroad to purchase arms and ammunition worth of Twenty Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars only (US$20,500,000.00) to fight the rebel group. But when President Kabila was killed in a bloody shoot-out by one of his aide a day before we were schedule to travel out of Congo, We immediately decided to divert the fund into a private security company here in Congo for safe keeping. The security of the said amount is presently being threatened here following the arrest and seizure of properties of Col.Rasheidi Karesava (One of the aides to Laurent Kabila) a tribesman, and some other Military Personnel from our same tribe, by the new President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the son of late President Laurent Kabila, Joseph Kabila. In view of this, we need a reliable and trustworthy foreign partner who can assist us to move this money out of my country as the beneficiary. WE have sufficient ''CONTACTS'' to move the fund under Diplomatic Cover to a security company in the Europe in your name. This is to ensure that the Diplomatic Baggage is marked ''CONFIDENTIAL'' and it will not pass through normal custom/airport screening and clearance. Our inability to move this money out of Congo all This while lies on our lack of trust on our supposed good friends (western countries) who suddenly became hostile to those of us who worked with the late President Kabila, immediately after his son took office. Though we have neither seen nor met each other, the information we gathered from an associate who has worked in your country has encouraged and convinced us that with your sincere assistance, this transaction will be properly handled with modesty and honesty to a huge success within two weeks. The said money is a state fund and therefore requires a total confidentiality. Thus, if you are willing to assist us move this fund out of Congo, you can contact me through my email address above with your telephone, fax number and personal information to enable us discuss the modalities and what will be your share (percentage) for assisting us. I must use this opportunity and medium to implore You to exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this Matter extraordinarily confidential, Whatever your Decision, while I await your prompt response. NOTE: FOR CONFIDENTIALITY, I WILL ADVISE YOU REPLY ME ON MY ALTERNATIVE EMAIL BOX (patrickdan@rediffmail.com).Thank you and God Bless. Best Regards, MR DAN PATRICK.
Dear Friend. As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will die someday. My name is Peter Lawson,a merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E.I have been diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer which was discovered very late,due to my laxity in carrying for my health. It has defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God ! has called me, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul and so, I have decided to give arms to charity organizations and give succour and confort to the less priviledged in our societies, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the U.A.E, Algeria and Malaysia. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this my self anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization and to the less priviledged in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them. The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of twenty four million dollars that I have with a Security Company in Europe for safe keeping. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and disburse it to some charity organizations and to the less priviledged. Please send me a mail to indicate if you will assist me in this disbursement. I have set aside 10% for you for your time and patience. You can e-mail me at:plawson@hknetmail.com While I await to hear from you, may God be with you and your entire family. Remain blessed. Mr.Peter Lawson
Agabi and Associates. Solicitors and Advocates. 5th floor, Unity House. Lagos. Dear (recipaints name), I am Mr. paul agabi, a Lawyer by profession. I am the personal attorney to Mr. Charles (my surname) , a national of your country, who used to work with Chevron Oil Exploration Company in Nigeria, herein after shall be referred to as my client. On the 21st of April 2000, my client, his wife and their onlye child were involved in a car accident along Lagos - Ibadan express road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost there lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives. This has proved unsuccessful. I came to know about you through an enquiry I was making in the internet, and I found out you shared the same surname with my client, which is why I have decided to contact you, in order to assist in repatriating the money and property left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank. Particularly, in a local commercial bank here where the deceased had an account valued at about US$ 15.5 Million Dollars, has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confisticated within the next ten official working days. Since i have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 2 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 US$15.5 Million Dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can share the money, on the ratio of 50% for me, and 50% for you. I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make. All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this business through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me by email and send to me your telephone and fax numbers to enable us discuss further about the details of this transaction. Best regards, Mr. paul agabi.
From:Mohammed Abacha Lagos-Nigeria Tel: 234-80-34069502 Dear Sir/Madam This letter is not intended to to cause any embarrassment but just to contact your esteem self-following the knowledge of your high repute and trustworthiness. I am Mohammed Abacha,the son of the late Nigerian Head of State who died on the 8th of June 1998.If you are conversant with world news,you would understand better,while I got your contacts through my personal research.Please,I need your assistance to make this happen and please; do not undermine it because it will also be a source of upliftment to you also.You have absolutely nothing to loose in assisting us instead, you have so much to gain. The then head of state General Sani Abacha,transferred the money through a Lebanese businessman,Chagoury and a Jewish business man,Mark Rissar to bank accounts overseas,Instead,he used PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (PIN) and declared the contents as Bearer Bonds and Treasury Bills. Also the firm issued him with a certificate of deposit of the consignments notes, which I have these information in my custody now. You must have heard over the media reports and the Internet on the recovery of various huge sums of money deposited by my late father in different Banks and security firms abroad. Some of these banks and security firms willingly gave-/divulge their banking secrets and disclosed to the present civilian administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo,about my family's cash lodgement and monetary transactions with them. Please my dear,I repose great confidence in you and I hope you will not betray my confidence in you.I have secretly deposited the sum of $30,000,000.00 with a security firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open communications.The money is contained in a metal box consignment with Security Deposit Number 009GM. I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your Bank account for safekeeping. This arrangement is known to you and my junior brother (Abbas) only. So I will deal directly with you.I am proposing a 20% share of the fund to you for your kind assistance.I shall provide for you all the documents of the fund deposit with the security firm, and raise a power of attorney to enable you claim and receive this fund into your bank account.I have done a thorough homework and fine-tuned the best way to create you as the beneficiary to the funds and effect the transfer accordingly.Is rest assured that the modalities I have resolved to finalize the entire project guarantees our safety and the successful transfer of the funds.So, you will be absolutely right when you say that this project is risk free and viable.If you are capable and willing to assist, contact me at once via email with following details: 1. YOUR NAME 2. POSTAL ADDRESS 3. PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS Also this transaction demands absolute confidentiality.On no condition must you disclose it to anybody irrespective of your relation with the person.Remember,Loose lips sinks ship.I am looking forward to your urgent and positive response via my email address above. Best Regards, Mohammed Abacha.
From: Dr.Goronyo Baba. Satellite Tel: Note:Do not send emails.You can contact me directly on the tel.number or by sending me a satellite message stating your telephone number and email address contact on this number just given to you using the link online below. http://www.iridium.com/..there, you will see send a satellite message to my sat.tel.number- 881-631-410-574 Attn:President/C.e.o. Strictly Confidential and Urgent Business Proposal. Re: Transfer Of Usd $21,500.000{Twenty - One Million, Five Hundred Thousand Us Dollars Only. I am a member of the Federal Government Of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (N.N.P.C). Sometime ago, a contract was awarded to a foreign firm in the Petroleum Trust Fund (P.T.F.) BY MY COMMITTEE. This contract was over invoiced to the tune of us$ 21.5Million Dollars. This was done delibrately. The over - invoicing was a deal by my committee to benefit from the project. We not want to transfer this money, which is in a suspense account with the P.T.F. into any oversea account, which we expect you to provide for us. Share: 60 % of the money would be for my partners and I. 30 % of the money would be yours, for providing us with logistics, which, would include a safe bank account, where we shall facilitate funds transfer into, as soon as documentations are concluded over here. 10 % of the money has been mapped out from the total sum to cover any expenses that might be incurred during the course of the transaction, (both local and international expenses). If interested in assisting us, please contact me via my secured satellite tel number- 881-631-410-574, specially procured for this project, using the text message.. It may interest you to know that a similar transaction was carried out with one Mr. Patrice Miller, President of Crane International Trading Corp., of 153 East 57th St., 28th floor, N.Y.10022, Telephone: 212-308-7788 and Telex: 6731689. The deal was concluded and all covering documents, forwarded to Mr. Miller to authenticate the claims. Once the funds were transferred, Mr. Miller presented to his bank, all the legal documents and remitted the whole funds to another bank account, and disappeared completely. My colleagues and I were shattered, since such opportunities are not easy to come by. Please, if you are interested in assisting us carry out to the fullest capacity, this transaction, we would require the following information from you which would enable us make formal application to the various ministries / parastatals, for the release and onward transfer of the money to your account. 1.Your Full Name, Company's Name, Address, Telephone and Fax Numbers. 2.Your Bank Name, Address. Telephone and Fax Number. 3.Your Bank Account Number and Beneficiary Name - You must be the signatory. Please, note that we have strong and reliable connections at the Central Bank Of Nigeria and other Government Parastatals, hence assistance in this regards, would not be a problem. At the conclusion of this transaction, we shall use same contacts to withdraw all documents used in the course of this, to avoid any trace whatsoever that may ever arise, to you or to us, now and in the nearest possible future. It might also interest you to know that we are mere civil servants who do not want to miss this opportunity, hence, we want this money transferred out, as soon as possible, before the newly democratically elected government ever think of making enquiries as regards the various activities of the past military government. Kindly contact me as soon as possible, whether or not you are interested in this deal, so that whereby you are not interested, it would give us more room to scout for another partner. But if you are interested, kindly contact me via above email, telephone or fax, so that we can swing into action, as time is not on our part. I wait in anticipation of your fullest co-operation. Yours Faithfully, Dr.Goronyo Baba. Send me your email address and tel.numberif interested for re- verification that you actually received this mail.