419 scam: "Nelson Smith" <rev.williamsjames@gmail.com> CONFIDENTIAL

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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:
- "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "a diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Nelson Smith" <rev.williamsjames@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <smithnelon1@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2017 04:49:24 -0500
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL

Sir,

Please permit me to introduce myself. I am honourable Nelson Smith,
personal assistant to one of the former ministers in the last
administration, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am writing you
on trust believing that you can keep this deal to the utmost
confidentiality it deserves. Firstly, let me refer you to the website
of the New Telegraph of July 3, 2017. www.newtelegraphonline.com.
Captioned: "Nigeria's $16.5bn trapped"...

Based on the above, my boss asked me to look for a foreigner that is
trustworthy to partner with. We have about US$55m that we need to move
to you with your permission for safety and possible investment in your
country. I have already concluded arrangements with a diplomat that
can deliver it to any place of your choice to avoid trace. Note; that
you will be entitle to 20% of the total amount, while 5% set aside for
expenses.

What is required from you is a confirmation that you are capable of
handling the said Funds and the deal kept secret.Please your urgent
response is urgently needed as time is of essence.

Yours Sincerely,
Nelson Smith.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam