419 scam: "Mr. Marcus Stewart"<lawsk@hsbc-uk.com> Transfer Notification

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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. )
- ",500,000" (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)
- "dear beneficiary," (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447024060910 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Marcus Stewart" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lawsonkoss1@o2.pl>
Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:48:54 +1030
Subject: Transfer Notification

HSBC Holdings plc
8 Canada Square
London E14 5HQ
Telephone:+44 70 2406 0910.
Date: 28th March -2011..
Our Ref: BN/OHG/OXD1/2011 Your Ref:.................
Telex: HSBC.com.
Payment File: HSBC/BEN/011.

ATTN: Dear Beneficiary,

RE: IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF YOUR FUNDS.

I know that it will definitely be a surprising one to you. Firstly, I will
like to introduce myself formally as Mr. Marcus Stewart, the head of the
banking division of HSBC plc London UK. You are been officially contacted by
me today to congratulate and inform you that after thorough Review of your
Inheritance/Contract funds transfer release documents in Conjunction with
the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund Assessment report,
your payment file was forwarded to us for immediate Transfer of your
compensation funds valued US$10,500,000.00 from their debt reconciliation
reserve bank account with us.

The security reports given to us shows that you have been purposely delay by
some dubious officials whom were selfishly trying to divert your approved
funds.

We therefore advice that you stop further communication with any
Correspondences outside this office since you do not have to pay any money
Or fee to receive your funds as you have been verified as the beneficiary to
the said funds valued US$10,500,000.00.

The only thing required from you is to obtain the British Non-Residential
Clearance certificate to enable us credit your account directly by
telegraphic Transfer or through our secured online banking system and send
copies of the Funds transfer release documents to you and your bankers for
confirmation.

As soon as you follow our official directives, your funds will be credited
within forty-eight (48hrs) bank working hours from the day you obtain this
Non-Residential Clearance certificate.

For further details and assistance on this Remittance Notification, kindly
forward your

1. FULL NAME AND CONTACT ADDRESS

2. TELEPHONE and FAX NUMBERS

3.MARITAL STATUS:

4AGE/ SEX

5.OCCUPATION

Yours sincerely,
Mr.Marcus Stewart
Head, International Banking Division.
HSBC BANK LONDON UK
Tel:+447024060910.

Dispatched on this day, 28th March -2011.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam