419 scam: Howard Wilson <test@unionmarine.gr> INSPECTION OFFICER

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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:
- "demurrage " (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. )
- "the consignment" (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)
- "trunk box" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "trunk boxes" (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)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "a diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: Howard Wilson <test@unionmarine.gr>
Reply-To: <inspection101@barid.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 01:51:31 -0700
Subject: INSPECTION OFFICER

Attention,

I am Mr. Howard Wilson, Director Unit United Nations Inspection Agent in Hartsfield International Airport Atlanta Georgia USA . During our investigation,I discovered An abandoned shipment through a Diplomat from United Kingdom via Africa under iship forwarder which was transferred from JF Kennedy Airport to our facility here in Atlanta. When scanned, it revealed an undisclosed sum of money in a Metal Trunk Box weighing approximately 55kg each. The consignment was abandoned because the Content was not properly declared by the consignee as (money) rather it was declared as personal effect to avoid diversion by the Shipping Agent also the Diplomat inability to pay for Non Inspection Fees.

On my assumption, each of the boxes will contain more than $3 to $4M each and the consignment is still left in storage house till today through a registered shipping Company, Diplomatic Courier Service Limited a division of Tran guard made for Top politicians and Top Government officers . The Consignment are two boxes with weight of about 55kg each (Internal dimension: W61 x H156 x D73 (cm). Effective capacity: 380 L.)Approximately.

The details of the consignment included your name, are tagged on the Trunk boxes so provide your private Phone Number full address, name of nearest Airport around and other details. You can send the required details to me for onward delivery. All communication must be held extremely confidential. I can get everything concluded within 1-2days upon your acceptance and proceed to your address for delivery. But I must get assurance from you concerning sharing 50%/50% before I will proceed.

I want us to transact this business and share the money, since the shippers have abandoned it. I will pay for the Non inspection fee with the Demurrage and arrange for the boxes to be moved out of this Airport to your address, once we are through I will deploy the services of a secured shipping Company geared to provide the security it needs to your doorstep. Or I can bring it by myself to avoid any more trouble. But I will share it 50% to you and 50% to me. But you have to assure me of my share. If you agreed with my condition get back to me immediately.

Regards,

Howard Wilson.
INSPECTION OFFICER

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam