419 scam: Mike Williams <mikewilliams004@outlook.com> HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "may come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "huge deposit" (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)
- "mikewilliams002@outlook.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Mike Williams <mikewilliams004@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2016 04:55:48 +0000
Subject: HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

From Mr. Mike William

This letter may come to you as a surprise, but I have to say that I have no intentions of putting you into any form of stress or worries. As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me because I believe everyone will die someday.

My name is Mr. Mike William, a business tycoon based in British Virgin Islands. I have been diagnosed with prostate and esophageal Cancer that was discovered very late due to my laxity in caring for my health. It has defiled all form of medicine and right now, I have only about just few months to live according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself or my family but my business.

As soon as I receive your reply, I will inform you my intentions and what I want you to do for me with the last huge deposit which I have with a Bank in London and how much I deposited there. I will also give you the contact of the bank in London and issue you a Letter of Authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this fund. My happiness would be if my last wish is obeyed. Please always be prayerful all through and try as much as possible to learn from my lessons in your life.

Also, please assure me that you will act just as I have stated herein. Hope to hear from you soon and God bless you and members of your family. Contact me through my private e-mail (mikewilliams002@outlook.com). I am waiting for your reply and God be with you.

Regards,

Mr. Mike William

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam