419 scam: "MICHAEL EDWIN"<info@usa.gov> TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN STRICTLY OFFICIAL PLEASE TREAT AS SUCH

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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.
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- michaeledwin1992@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "MICHAEL EDWIN" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michaeledwin1992@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2017 01:34:37 +0100
Subject: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN STRICTLY OFFICIAL PLEASE TREAT AS SUCH

Dear Sir/ Madam,

This is British National Crime Investigation Center in London.

In our investigations from banks on International and National Funds
Transfer (INFT) protocols in the past 10 years records from all banks
In the US. We have come across your contact details and record with
One of the US Banks. In view of the carried investigations, we have
Contacted you confidentially for vital information toward your
Transaction with these banks.

However, all former bank officials who mishandled your transaction has
Been duly terminated and dismissed from bank work and your funds
Deposited with The Clearing House. Upon our investigation conclusion,
We found out that your transaction was legitimate and for this reason
And all delays, a compensation amount 0f $43,150,567.00 (Forty three million
One hundred and fifty thousand, five hundred and sixty seven dollars)
Has been awarded to you for immediate payment through the Clearing
House.

Kindly contact the paying officer with the below details.

Name: Mr. Michael Edwin.
Email: michaeledwin1992@gmail.com
Tel: +1 503-483-4221

Thanks.

Best Regards,
Mr. Michael Edwin.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam