419 scam: "Paul W. Peters" <pault_p@libero.it> Dear Friend

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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.

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "paul_pete@gmx.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Paul W. Peters" <pault_p@libero.it>
Reply-To: paul_pete@gmx.com
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2014 11:24:22 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Dear Friend

Dear Friend
I am Barr. Paul W. Peters, a personal attorney to a deceased client, a national of your country, who was a Shell consultant here in my country.
On the July 2009, My client and his entire family was involved in the Lokoja -Abuja Road accident, which 33 die in the auto crash and unfortunately him and entire family lost their lives.
Since then I have made several inquiries to locate any of my clients extended relatives, but all efforts to no avail. After the several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to contact you since your bear the same last name.
I have contacted you to seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased so that his proceeds valuded at $14.7M, can be release to you as his next of kin, then we will share it on a mutual agreement.
Most especially now that the bank where he had this Deposit valued at about (USD14.7M) has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the Deposit confiscated within the next thirty official working days.
I guarantee you that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me with the below information to indicate your interest, through my private email <paul_pete@gmx.com>
(1) Your Full Name:-------------------------------------
(2) Full residential address:------------------------
(3) Phone and Fax Number:- ------------------------
(4) Age:---- ------------------------------------------------
(5)Occupation:----------------------------------------
(6) Your alternative email address: ------------------

I am waiting to hear from you.
Best regards,
Paul W. Peters

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam