419 scam: "Stephanie Smith"<ss4charity02@yahoo.co.jp> REPLY URGENTLY!.

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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:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "huge amount of money" (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)
- "god-fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- ss4charity01@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Stephanie Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ss4charity01@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:32:01 -0700
Subject: REPLY URGENTLY!.

Dearest one,

Greetings. I know it will be a great surprise to you reading from me today but consider this a divine intervention as my pastor explained to my understanding. My Name is Mrs. Stephanie Smith from California - United States of America. I want to entrust a Huge amount of money with you but first will want you to know reasons for my action. We had Joint business with my Late Husband who Died in November 5th 2007 in an Auto Car accident along side our only Son while they where traveling to meet me on my birthday. I will never forget that day as i felt the world has come to an end but my Christian Faith with the Help of my Pastor i was able to live again.

As a good business inclined woman, i managed my husbands investments until my present Medical Condition developed. Last 2 year i experience restlessness and sleepless nights so my Doctor sent me on a general Medical Check up which i was finally diagnosed to cancer. When it became evident that i was not able to manage my Investments anymore, my late husband's brother wanted me dead so that he will inherit all the wealth i suffered to build against my will. My doctor told me that I have only a few weeks to live and as a Christian i rather donate my money to orphanage homes and the less privilege, than allow wicked people to take all when i die.

Please, I beg you in the name of God to help me Stand - in as the beneficiary and collect the Funds from the Security Vault. I want a person that is God-fearing who will use this money to fund churches, orphanages, single moms and widows propagating the word of God to ensure that the house of God is maintained. I am writing this letter to you now because my inner most spirit reveled to me that you can help, use my money for the work of Humanity as i will.

I know that my ordeal will sadden your heart but the best you can do for me now is to keep this conversation highly confidential between us because it matters most in my life at this moment. What matters is life after death. let me have your word to use the money wisely as i intend to allow you take 30% of the funds for your own personal and family needs. I will let you have more information as soon as i need your word and promise not to betray my trust.

May you be blessed, as you reach me at my private email ( ss4charity01@yahoo.co.jp ).

Best Regards
Mrs. Stephanie Smith.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam