419 scam: Chairman Committee On Foreign Contract <paul-martins@voila.fr> From: HSBC Holdings plc London..

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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:
- "here in united kingdom" (this email uses bad English)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "o_f_f_i_c_e_p_a_y_m_e_n_t@qatar.io" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
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.
- +447035966532 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- +448447741221

Fraud email example:

From: Chairman Committee On Foreign Contract <paul-martins@voila.fr>
Reply-To: cyberlawz@qatar.io
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:18:16 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From: HSBC Holdings plc London..

HSBC Holdings plc London..Address: # 8 Canada Square London E14 5HQUnited Kingdom.
Chairman Committee On Foreign Contract AndInheritance Fund Payment NotificationFrom: HSBC Holdings plc London..
Attn: Beneficiary,
This Is To Inform You About Our Plan To Send Your Fund To You Through The Delivery Of Money; This System Will Be Easier For You And Us.
We'll Send Your Part Payment Of £1,600,000:00[ One Million Six Hundred Thousand Pound Sterling ] To You Via Diplomatic Courier Service This Decision Was Made Last Week But To Our Greatest Surprise, a woman called (Mrs. Vicky Stuart ) Came To Our Office With An Application Stating That she is your sister,You Gave Her The Power Of Attorney To Be The Beneficiary Of Your Outstanding Contract/Inheritance/ Lottery Award Funds.
She Made Us To Believe That You Are Dead And That She Is Your Next Of Kin. We Got Your Email Address And Decided To Send An Email Through This Address Hoping To Find Out If You Are Dead Or Alive And Also To Find Out If You At Any Time Gave This woman The Power Of Attorney To Receive Your Consignments Or Represent You.
Please Let Us Know Also If You Are Aware That We Are Almost Ready To Deliver Part Payment Of £1.6M Pound Sterling Of Your Outstanding Awards Funds To Her Address Stated Below:
Address: 2301 Monticello Rd.City: BaltimoreState: MdZip Code: 21216Country: United StatesBeneficiary: Mrs. Vicky Stuart
If You Are Not Aware Of The Above Instruction, Do Respond To This Email Immediately By Contacting Advocate Mike Gapes,He Has Secured Every Needed Document To Cover The Cash Money.
Note: Due to activities of impostors, we hereby issue you our 'Transaction Code' WDSC331 UK. Bear in mind that you will be required to indicate this code [WDSC331 UK] in any/all correspondence with this office Payment Center by using it as your subject line for prompt attention to your application.
Below, you shall find contact details of the Representive whom will process your transaction:
Name: Advocate Mike GapesDirect Telephone Number:+447035966532 Fax: +448447741221Email: o_f_f_i_c_e_p_a_y_m_e_n_t@qatar.io Office Address: ECHOLEE & CO. CHAMBERS UNITED KINGDOM
Your fund as been kept in a reputable security company here in United Kingdom during our investigation on the cause of the delay of getting your fund.
We have confirmed that the amount required to procure the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) permit will cost you a total sum of £250 Pounds Sterling which will be paid directly to the payment office.
Best regards,Paul MartinsFor HSBC Holdings plc London..----------------------------------------------------
Notice To Recipient: This email (and any attachments) is only intended for the use of the person or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. You, the recipient, are obligated to maintain it in a safe, secure and confidential manner. Unauthorized redisclosure or failure to maintain confidentiality may subject you to federal and state penalties. If you are not the recipient, please immediately notify HSBC Holdings plc Londonby return email, and delete this message from your computer.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam