419 scam: "Barr. Patrick Adams" <patrickadams04@live.com> FINAL NOTIFICATION (ACT AS NEXT OF KIN)

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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "into your nominated bank account" (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)
- "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)
- "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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Barr. Patrick Adams" <patrickadams04@live.com>
Reply-To: patrickadams000@live.com
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2010 06:21:20 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: FINAL NOTIFICATION (ACT AS NEXT OF KIN)

ADAMS AND CO. CHAMBERS
Legal Head, Adams and Co. Chambers.
14 board way Victoria Island,
Lagos-Nigeria.

My name is Barr. Patrick Adams, I may have to trouble your sense of
personal achievement and reward for an opportunity properly taken
advantage of. I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a
beneficiary to the total sum of US$18,300,000.00(Eighteen Million Three
Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased
(name now withheld since this is my second letter to you).

I contacted you because you bear the same last name with my deceased
client and therefore I can present you as the beneficiary to the
inheritance, since there is no written will from my late client. Our legal
services aim to provide you with a complete service as I am prepared to
provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable
them release this inheritance funds to you.

All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this
deal as I am prepared to offer you 45%, 50% for me, while 5% will be set
aside for any expenses we pay for during this transaction, that is to say
that any money spent during the period of this transaction,will be
refunded, once the fund has been transferred into your nominated bank
account. I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance
with the below details via my private email:- patrickadams000@live.com

Full Name:-
Full Address:-
Tel No.:-
Private Email:-
Occupation:-
Date of Birth:-

Your prompt response is highly imperative.

Yours sincerely,

Barrister Patrick Adams. Esq

This transmission may contain information that is privileged, confidential
and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the
intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying,
distribution,or use of the information contained herein (including any
reliance thereon) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED, if you received this
transmission in error, please immediately contact the sender and destroy
the material in its entirety,whether is electronic or hard copy format.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam