419 scam: "Mr. Robert Macaulay" <Macaulay> VERY IMPORTANT $ URGENT

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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:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
This email message is a next of kin scam.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447459772257
- +442071174074
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.
- mr.robertmalay@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Robert Macaulay" <Macaulay>
Reply-To: <mr.robertmalay@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2015 01:21:12 +0300
Subject: VERY IMPORTANT $ URGENT

Dear Sir/ Ma,

I am Mr. Robert Macaulay, I am a Business Manager of one of the biggest banks in the World with a branch in London, United Kingdom. I am getting in touch with you regarding the funds of a deceased client with our bank Mr. Jeffery Wong, I would respectfully request that you keep the contents of this letter confidential and respect the integrity of the information you come by as a result of this letter. I contact you independently and no one is informed of this communication.

On routine audit check last fiscal year, my department discovered some investment accounts that have been dormant for at least Fifteen years belonging to the deceased, with account balance of US$33,500,000 (Thirty Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars). Now, banks regulation demands that we do notify the fiscal authorities after a statutory time span of Fifteen years when dormant accounts of this type are called in by the Financial Conduct Authority Regulatory bodies. The above set of facts motivated my reason of writing and proposing to you. My investigation of the said account reveals that the investor, a foreigner from Taiwan died in 2000 which was the exact time the account was last operated. I can confirm with certainty that the said investor died interstate and no next of kin to his funds has been found or has come forward all these years.

I am of the settled conviction that using my insider leverage, working with you can secure the funds in the account for us and the less privileged, instead of allowing it pass as unclaimed funds into the coffers of the Government. This is possible as you share the same country with the deceased investor. This is exactly why I crave your participation and co-operation. I am seized with all relevant documents (legal and Banking) that will facilitate our putting you forward as the claimant/beneficiary of the funds and ultimately transfer the money to an account to be nominated by you. Definitely you shall be handsomely rewarded for your part in this transaction as I am prepared to allocate 40% slice of the total funds for your efforts. I shall leave out the further details of this transaction till I receive an affirmation of your desire to participate. Be rest assured that I am in control of this situation all the time and there will be no risk whatsoever if you elect to come on board. Needless to say, UTMOST C

If you are interested, please reply immediately via the private email address: mr.robertmalay@gmail.com, fax no: + 44 207 117 4074 and Direct Tel +4474 5977 2257.

Awaiting your urgent reply via my contact details.

Thanks and regards.

Robert Macaulay
Email: mr.robertmalay@gmail.com
Direct Tel +4474 5977 2257
fax no: + 44 207 117 4074

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam