419 scam: "Mr. Bill Hall"<LYNNSMITHRAMEY@aol.com> Urgent Attention,

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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:
- ",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)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Bill Hall" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mr.billhall@gmx.com>
Date: Thu, 3 May 2012 22:49:07 -0700
Subject: Urgent Attention,

FROM: MR. BILL HALL.
US CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION UNIT.
JACKSON HARTSFIELD INT'L AIRPORT
ATLANTA GEORGIA USA.
TEL: +1 678 686 9498.

Urgent Attention,

I am Mr. Bill Hall, Chief Controller Customs, Jackson Hartsfield Int'l Airport Atlanta Georgia. This organization was set up to fight against scam and Fraudulent activities worldwide. This Group is responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay.

You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, the United Nation Monetary Unit has been authorized to release your fund immediately. The sum of US$25,500,000.00; has been approved in your favor via my desk. This payment will be made via Cash payment through Diplomatic Courier Delivery.

Be informed that we are working in collaborations with the United Nation secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, who authorize the immediate payment of your long awaited fund without any further delay.

You are advised to include the followings below:

(1). Your Full Name,
(2). Direct Telephone Numbers,
(3). Contact Address,
(4). Your Occupation, age and Marital Status
(5). The Nearest Airport Close to your City.
Note that the above fund has been cleared from terrorist or fraud related activities.

Thanks for Your Cooperation.

MR. BILL HALL.
US CUSTOMS & BORDER PROTECTION UNIT.
JACKSON HARTSFIELD INT'L AIRPORT
ATLANTA GEORGIA USA.
TEL: +1 678 686 9498.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam