419 scam: "Barr Mcdouga Douglas"<barrdouglas.mcdouga@uknet.org> Hello,

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "a security company " (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. )
- "hundred thousand united state dollars" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Barr Mcdouga Douglas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <barrdouglas.mcdouga@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 15 May 2016 04:24:19 -0400
Subject: Hello,

Dear Friend,

I am Mcdouga Douglas, Attorney at law, a Bank consultant of the HSBC BANK (UNITED KINGDOM) I have a business proposal of US$2.5 million (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) Which has been long deposited into a security company only for you to transact with me from my Bank to your country regarding a deceased client of mine, that shares the same last name as yours, who died as a result of a heart-related Disease in March 20th 2005.All conformable documents to back up the claims will be made available to you prior to your acceptance and as soon as I receive your return mail via my email and I will let you know what is required of you. Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated. I can be reached on my email for more information.

Best Regards,
Barr Mcdouga Douglas

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam