419 scam: " Assets Recovery Agency."<assets@juno.com> Assets Recovery Agency

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
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.
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.
- assetsrecovery_agency@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: " Assets Recovery Agency." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <b.info38@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2014 02:28:15 -0000
Subject: Assets Recovery Agency

3 Whitehall Court, London, SW1A 2EL.
United Kingdom.
Phone:447031984783
Fax: 448447749792

Attention,

RE: YOUR OUTSTANDING PAYMENT

The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) is a coalition of Legal advisers, International Bank Auditors, International Financial Intelligence Units and selected Insurance Companies and Banks. ARA is disturbed by the spate of scam hinged on Contractors being owed mainly in Africa beneficiaries of inheritance funds after the death of the next of kin, People being owed for lotteries purportedly won, buyers of gold/diamond who never received the goods after making payments to the sellers etc.
>From records, we suspect you are a victim of the scam hence we have decided to look into your case. We are aware that all manner of unscrupulous and corrupt officials have contacted you and are still contacting you. For prompt action on your case, reply immediately and reconfirm the following:

1. How much are you being owed?
2. State the origin, e.g. executed contract, inheritance, lottery won e.t.c.
3. Have you received any Card, bogus Draft or Cheque ?
4. Was there any attempt to pay you with the so-called defaced cash?
5. How much have you paid to them? Can you prove it?
6. When or how long have you been on this case (pursuit of your payment)?
7. phone and Fax number

ARA pursues each case based on merit and will pay appropriate compensation based on substance and circumstances. You MUST CONVINCE us you are a victim with enough proof that you made payments. Once we are convinced and satisfied you have a good case, one of our banks will pay you the appropriate compensation immediately. Provide your direct telephone numbers, as it may be necessary to speak with you. Our telephone discussions are strictly on appointment. We have limited time to attend to your case.

You must stop fruitless exchange of correspondence with offices/officials and take advantage of our intervention. We will hands-off your case if you do otherwise. Our dealings with you must be discreet so that the miscreants will not try to erase some records, hence preempt and jeopardize our efforts. Your prompt response and full co-operation are needed by mail. assetsrecovery_agency@yahoo.com

Yours Sincerely,

Barrister Raymond Brown.
Legal Adviser, Assets Recovery Agency.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam