419 scam: "DR. Mike Williams" <dr_steveandrew006@yahoo.co.uk> URGENT GRANT OFFER.

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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.

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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "united state of america" (this email uses bad English)
- "loan amount" (Beware of fake loan offers. Real lenders would not normally use free webmail addresses such as Yahoo, nor would they lend to individuals or small businesses in a different country from where they are based. Beware of mobile phones or redirector numbers!)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- mikewwww222@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "DR. Mike Williams" <dr_steveandrew006@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 25 May 2010 20:39:39 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: URGENT GRANT OFFER.

URGENT GRANT OFFER.
We offer Grant of US$250 million dollar for Farmers,Ranchers,churches and Small scale Entrepreneurs from the Directorate of Project Development(DOPD). This Grant is for Experienced Farmers, Ranchers and Small Scale Entrepreneurs who are unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Loan amounts range from $500,000.00 to $2,000,000.00 and $2,000,000.00 to $5,000,000.00 (Amount Varies Based on Applicant Capability).Ministry of National Development (MOND) is the sponsor of this facility..
REASON FOR CONTACTING YOU:
My name is Dr. Mike Williams, the Director of Operations in the Directorate of Project Development (DOPD). Last year I made an arrangement with one Mr.Michael McNulty a national of the United State of America to hold on my behalf the sum of $15 Million to be used for investment,the money was slated to move in three phase of $5 Million at each . We worked together and obtained all the papers needed to transfer the first $5 Million but as soon as the fund was confirmed in his bank account he disconnected his phone line 715-694-5762 and disappeared. His was staying at #45 Fall, Wisconsin.
My tenure as the Director of Operation in the Directorate of Project Development (DOPD) will end July (2010) and I do not want the opportunity I have here in making myself rich to be wasted hence I am contacting you to work with me and keep on my behalf for investment the balance of $10Million.
As a civil servant I am barred from operating foreign account and I would not deposit this amount in my local bank account here because I had declared my asset immediately I was appointed into my present position. I will make you my investment manager after a commission of 10% for your help and I pray I will not be disappointed again.
I seek for your corporation and sincerity towards this business. Please contact me immediately via email: mikewwww222@gmail.com with your complete names ,age,occupation, address, and numbers (Phone and Fax)
Yours faithfully,
Dr. Mike Williams.
Director of Operations
DOPD.

Anti-fraud resources:

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