419 scam: Grace Stephen <mrsgracestephen@rediffmail.com> Urgent assistance please

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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:
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned 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: Grace Stephen <mrsgracestephen@rediffmail.com>
Reply-To: mrsgracestephen@ymail.com
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:03:33 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Urgent assistance please

Urgent assistance please

Hello,

With due respect, I humbly write to ask of your co-operation and assistance. I just want you to know that confidence and trust begins from one day.
Eventhough i don't know you in person, i beleive that when we start this communication we'll introduce ourselves and even by going into the business,we will also need an agreement to back up our transaction for the trust.

   Actually i got this your email address from the internet while searching for business opportunities i could contact.
When i came accross your address i felt it was someone i could rely on, so i had to contact you.
Please i desire your assistance to make claims of my late husband assets funds deposited in the safe storage company , the fund in question is $37.000.000.00 million USD (Thirty seven million USD) I will really need your sincerity and honesty.

   We have been ordered to leave the government house immediately after the death of my husband.
Infact,this arrangement is urgent because if i don't produce somebody soon my late husband's brother may seize this funds and me and my only son will loose all.

It is the fear of betrayal from anyone arround us that informed our decision to contact you and we believe you will not impade the trust and confidence we repost in you.
You will also help and assist us for investment arrangement in your country. Please I will offer you 20% of the total fund for your help.

Please help us for we know that you can assist us..

Awaiting your urgent response.
Sincerely
Mrs Grace Stephen.
01 Bp 1235 Abidjan 01
Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire West Africa

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam