419 scam: Cath Ibe <cathibe2010@gmail.com> Dear Trusted 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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a security company " (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. )
- "million 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)
- "here in united kingdom" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Cath Ibe <cathibe2010@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 23:56:34 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dear Trusted Friend

Dear Trusted Friend

My name is Mrs. Cath Ibe, widow of late Mr. Alex Ibe, former owner of PETROLEUM AND GAS company , here in United Kingdom .I am 58years old, suffering from long time cancer of the breast.From all indications my conditionis really deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I may not live more than 2 months according to my doctors.This is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very bad stage.I dont want your pity but I need your trust.

My late husband died early last year from heart attack, and during the period of our marriage we couldn't produce any child. My late husband was very wealthy and after his death, I inherited all his business and wealth.The doctor has hinted me that I will not live for too long again, so I have now decided to spread all my wealth, to contribute mainly to the development of charity in Africa, America, Asia and Europe.I am sorry if you are embarrased by my mail.

I found your e-mail address as a person that can work for Humanity and for over a month now that I have been praying to know if really you are working according to the direction of God.And after all my fasting and prayer I am convinced, and I have decided to contact you, but if for any reason you find this mail offensive, you can ignaore it and please accept my appology.

Before my late husband died he was a major oil tycoon here in London and deposited the sum of 5million dollars (Five million dollars) in a Security company some years ago, that's all I have left now, I need you to collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charities, So that when I die my soul can rest in peace.The funds will be entirely in your hands and management.I hope God gives you the wisdom to touch very many lives, and that is my main concern.20% of this money will be for your time and effort, while 80% goes to charity.

God bless you.
Mrs.Cath Ibe.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam