419 scam: "Barrister Scott R. Wotherspoon"<scottwotherspoon777@zambia.co.zm> CAN I TRUST YOU IN THIS LUCRATIVE TRANSACTION???

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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:
- "million 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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Barrister Scott R. Wotherspoon" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <scottwotherspoon123@zambia.co.zm>
Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2013 13:00:12 -0000
Subject: CAN I TRUST YOU IN THIS LUCRATIVE TRANSACTION???

BARRISTER SCOTT ROBERT WOTHERSPOON

BLACKSTONE CHAMBERS

BLACKSTONE HOUSE

TEMPLE, LONDON

Hello,

Can you be trusted? If yes, let’s make a confidential “deal” together. I have $15 Million dollars open to be moved into your able hand in your country. Only if you can assure me that you will not cheat me once it gets into your hand.

My name is Scott Robert Wotherspoon. I am a London based attorney with a practicing license of Great Britain. My late client has been confirmed dead and I am in possession of all deposit documents for the above mentioned sum which was deposited with a Bank in Nigeria.

Because of the nature and source of the funds, my late client did not let anyone know about this fund as he entrusted all into my hands. I will only make you the beneficiary of this fund and get the bank transfer it to your private bank account in your country.

Should you be interested, reply with the following information:

Your full name and address.

Your direct mobile/telephone numbers.

Your age and occupation.

A copy of your identity(passport or drivers license or Staff I.D card).

However, if you are not trustworthy, confidential and interested, Please, do not use this advantage to betray me.

Regards,

Barr. Scott Robert Wotherspoon

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam