419 scam: "J. Burck."<archivio@alfavalvole.it> :Beneficiary/ Heir: Respond

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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:
- "top secret" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
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.
- stevwolfg@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "J. Burck." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <stevwolfg@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Apr 2015 13:24:49 -0400
Subject: :Beneficiary/ Heir: Respond

Attn: ,

How are you and good day to you.

I must thank you for giving me the audience to explain this important issue to you.
I have been in search of someone from your country with your surname, and who is capable of handling this transaction, so when I came across your profile online, I was pushed to contact you and see how best we can assist each other, because I know you are the right choice for this transaction. I am Burck, a Bank Officer here in U. A. E. I believe it is a great opportunity for me to share this vital information to you today, which I know will interest you, as you are going to benefit from it.

One Late Oil Merchant ( Will reveal full names when I get your response), a citizen of your country had a fixed deposit with my bank in 2009 for 60 calendar months, with huge sums of money which will be made known to you on declaration of your interest. The due date for this deposit contract was 22nd of August 2014. Sadly He was among the death victims of March 11, 2011 Tokohu-Oki Earthquake/ Tsunami disaster Japan that killed over 19,000 people.

He was in Tokohu-Oki on a business trip and that was how he met his end. My bank management is yet to know about his death, I knew about it because he was my friend and I am his account officer. He did not mention any Next of Kin/ Heir when the account was opened, and he was not married and no children. Last week my Bank Management requested that He should give instructions on what to do about his funds, if to renew the contract. I know this will happen and that was why I have been looking for a means to handle the situation, because if my Bank Directors happen to know of his death and do not have any Heir, they will take the funds for their personal use, so I don't want such to happen. That was why when I saw your profile, I was happy and I am now seeking your co-operation to present you as Next of Kin/ Heir to the account, since you have the same surname with him and my bank will release the account to you.
There is no risk involved, this transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of law.

It is better that we secure this wealth, than allowing the Bank Directors to take it, they are rich already. I am not a greedy person, so I am proposing we share the funds equal, 50/50% to both parties, my share will assist me to start up business after my retirement which has been my dream. Let me know your mind on this and please do treat this information as TOP SECRET and SERIOUS.
I will give you more details once I receive your urgent response strictly through this my personal email address.

Your urgent response is required through my personal email (stevwolfg@gmail.com). Have a nice day and God bless. Anticipating your communication soonest.

Regards,

Burck.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam