419 scam: David Elson <david@hotmail.com> Dear Sir/madam

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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:
- "million british pounds" (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: David Elson <david@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: davidelson775@hotmail.com
Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2010 05:05:01 -0400
Subject: Dear Sir/madam

Hello,

I am Mr. David Elson. I am a Banker. A deceased Customer of mine Late
Mr.George Waldron died 9 years ago as a result of Heart-Related problem.

My deceased client had known wife, kids and have never introduced any
person as his relative. I was his account officer and I handled all his
finances and investment. He left know will. He was aged 76years.

This is an urgent issue because your response and cooperation will
facilitate the release of the funds left behind by my client before it
is confiscated or declared unserviceable by our bank where this deposit
valued at One Hundred And Eighty Nine Million British Sterling Pounds
(189 million British Pounds) is lodged for the past 9 years since the
death of my client. The Bank recently issued me a notice to provide the
next of kin or them we have his Account confiscated within the next
twenty one official working days.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives, I seek the
consent to present you as the next of kin to late (Mr. George Waldron),
so that the Bank will effect the transfer to your Account in your name,
then I will come over to meet with you in your country for
disbursements.

My proposition to you is to seek your consent and approval as the Heir
and beneficiary of my late client, so that the proceeds of this account
can be paid to you. All legal documents to back up your claim as my
client's Heir will be provided. All I require is your approval and your
honest cooperation.

I look forward to your quick reply.

Best regards,
Mr. David Elson.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam