419 scam: "HALIFAX BANK GROUP" <dannymantey@att.net> CONTRACT FUNDS RELEASED.....SSISTANCEication of payment by ATM Master Credit Card. 05PŒë¸"

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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:
- "clearance certificate" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "clearance certificate" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "to 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)
- "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)
- "accredited attorney" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "offshore account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "HALIFAX BANK GROUP" <dannymantey@att.net>
Reply-To: <customerservices@e-halifaxbankplc.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2010 09:16:46 +0100
Subject: CONTRACT FUNDS RELEASED.....

HALIFAX BANK PLC LONDON
FOREIGN OPERATION UNIT
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT SETTLEMENT
998 BISHOP GATE LONDON EC2M 3XF, ENGLAND UNITED KINGDOM

Dear Customer,

We the Management of Halifax Bank London Office wish to congratulate and inform you that after the thorough review of your Inheritance/Contract Funds Transfer release documents in conjunction with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund Assessment Report, your payment file was forwarded to us for immediate transfer of a part-payment US$800,000.00 to your designated bank account from their offshore account with us.

The only thing required from you is to obtain the Funds Clearance Certificate from the UK Security & Exchange Commission to enable us credit your account directly by telegraphic transfer or through any of our corresponding banks and send copies of our bank’s telex and funds transfer documents to you and your bankers for confirmation. You are required to obtain the Funds Clearance Certificate from the UK Security & Exchange Commission through our Assigned Accredited Attorney Marcel Stoc, to enable us credit your account with $800,000.00 USD directly by telegraphic transfer to your nominated Bank Account.

Should you follow our directives, your Inheritance funds will be credited and confirmed in your bank account within five (5) banking days from the day you obtain this Funds Clearance Certificate from the UK Security & Exchange Commission.

Please Note that without the Funds Clearance Certificate from the UK Security & Exchange Commission your funds will not be release to you,adhere to the DUE PROCESS as to enable us release your funds as approved. For further details and assistance on this Remittance Notification, you are kindly advice to reconfirm your complete details, full Names, Address, Telephone/Cell & Fax Numbers immediately.

Dr. Peterson Watts
Head of International Transfer Dept
Halifax Bank Plc

Registered in England. Registered No: 1026167.

Anti-fraud resources:

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