419 scam: "Dennis Lawrence"<dennislawrencee@yahoo.cn> Re:thank you very much for your time.

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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:
- "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. )
- "hundred thousand united states dollars" (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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "accredited attorney" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Dennis Lawrence" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dennislawrence@yahoo.cn>
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2012 23:02:52 -0800
Subject: Re:thank you very much for your time.

Hello dear

Permit me to introduce myself, my name is Mr. Dennis Lawrence I work with a reputable bank here in London as a Credit Officer (Domiciliary). In the discharge of my duty, I came on this Domiciliary account that has remained dormant for Some years with our bank valued the sum of US$6,500.000 (Six Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) I made some inquiries and discovered that the account holder died when a Kenyan Airways crashed along the coast of West Africa in July 2003.Please I want you to visit the website for more information about the Plane Crash and the Deceased Dr George Brumley Jr and his family:
www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/07/20/kenya.crash/index.html

I am writing you so that we can work together to remit the money to you as the next of kin because this money belongs to a foreigner and has to be claimed by a foreigner. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money left behind by our deceased customer before the Bank declares this deposit unserviceable. The Bank has issued me a notice as the Account officer to the Deceased to provide the Next of Kin or have the fund declared as an UNCLAIMED FUND within the Next 15 Official working days. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 8 years now that I have been searching. I seek your consent to present you as The Next of Kin to the Deceased since you are a foreigner like him so That the proceeds of this Bank Account can be paid out in your favor.

I guarantee this transaction under a legitimate arrangement that will not breach the law by both parties; it is a simple process, which will take a short while to conclude, an accredited attorney will be appointed to issue all the necessary Legal documents that will be used to back up any claim. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through.

Please acknowledge receipt of this message in acceptance of our mutual business endeavor by furnishing me with the following;
1. Your Full Names and Address.
2. Direct Telephone and Fax numbers.

These requirements will enable us file a letter of claim to the appropriate departments for necessary approvals in your favor before the transfer can be made. You will be compensated with 35% of the total fund on final conclusion of this project, while the rest shall be for me. Your share stays with you while the rest shall be for investment purposes in your country. I wait for your urgent reply so that we can proceed with the proper documentation of the transfer to your favor through Legal processes.

Thanks for your time and understanding as I wait your immediate reply.

Best Regards,
Mr. Dennis Lawrence
Credit Officer (Domiciliary)

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