419 scam: Mr Harry Cloe <klgarber@mnu.edu> Dear Friend

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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:

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)
- "million 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)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: Mr Harry Cloe <harry.cole2001@hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 03:36:30 -0500 (CDT)
Subject: Dear Friend

Good day,

I may have to trouble your sense of personal achievement and reward foran opportunity properly taken advantage of.I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$21, 000, 000.00 (Twenty One Million United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is our second letter to you). We contacted you because we trust you and therefore we can present you as the beneficiary to this inheritance funds since there is no written will from our late client.Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete service as we are prepared to provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you as the Next of Kin.

All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this deal as we are prepared to offer you 40%, 50% for us,while 10% should be given to any Orphanage Home, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of acceptance. What I will need from you now is your full name and address and your phone and fax number.

Your prompt response is highly imperative.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Harry Cole

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam