419 scam: "Barrister Paul Rodel" <yanfa@xianjl.com> Confidential deal from Paul Rodel of Switzerland

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "necessary legal documents" (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. )
- "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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Barrister Paul Rodel" <yanfa@xianjl.com>
Reply-To: <paul.rodel1@blumail.org>
Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2011 12:34:04 +0200
Subject: Confidential deal from Paul Rodel of Switzerland

From Paul Rodel
Corporate Department,
Equity and Debt Capital Markets
Zurich, Switzerland.
Humanitarian Lawyer (Human Right Activist)

My Dear Friend,

I am C.E.O Corporate Department, Equity and Debt Capital Markets and also a special Attorney of Khamis al-Gaddafi, of Libya the Son to Muammar Gaddafi Libya President. Khamis Al-Gaddafi was killed by kamikaze pilot attack on barracks.

Contractor with Switzerland Cement Company, Zurich, who unfortunately died in
kamikaze pilot attack on barracks, Khamis al-Gaddafi has a fixed deposit account with the bank and no other person know about this account or have any information relating to this account. The
account has no beneficiary or next-of-kin other than him, my investigation reveal that his supposed next-of-kin died along with him in the Attack.

After several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to contact you. I'm contacting you to assist in remittance of a dormant fund as the next of kin left behind by Khamis al-Gaddafi so as not to allow the bank confiscate or declare the funds unserviceable in the account according to Switzerland financial law on
unclaimed bills which the government usually map out for the purchase of ammunitions which are the major course of conflicts in the Switzerland. Consequently, I'm seeking your consent to present you as the next-of-kin to the deceased customer so that the outstanding fixed deposit (US$10.500,000.00 united state dollars) will be remitted into any designated account of yours to be shared by both of us in the ratio of 60% to me and 40% for you.

I have all necessary legal documents to back up this claim. All that is required of you is absolute honesty, total commitment, co-operation & absolute confidentiality. Be rest-assured that this transaction will be executed under legitimate arrangement that will protect both parties from breach of the law and it is 100% risk free and attracts no authorities and every information you will require as the next of kin will be forwarded to you after your final acceptance to help me champion this deal. If this proposal is acceptable to you, kindly email your following information to me.

a. Full Name(s)
b. Direct phone & fax number(s)
c. Your personal email and your complete home address.
d. Country.
e. Age.
f. Occupation
g. Religion
h. Country

Thank you for your co-operation until I read from you.

You’re sincerely
Barrister Paul Rodel
Corporate Department, Equity and Debt Capital Markets
Humanitarian Lawyer (Human Right Activist)
Switzerland

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