419 scam: "Mr. Mark Johnson"<info@admin.com> Compliment.

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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:
- "hundred thousand us 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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "top secret" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Mark Johnson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <markjohnsonn84@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2019 16:48:21 +0530
Subject: Compliment.

Hello My Dear,

I have been in search of someone trustworthy to discuss this most important matter with, so when I saw you online something in me told me that I can trust you and I was pushed to contact you and see how best we can assist each other.

I am Mr. Mark Johnson,UBA African Bank Plc.I also the Regional Treasurer Manager I believe it is the wish of God for me to come
across you now. I am having an important business discussion I wish to share with you which I believe will interest you, because you are going to benefit from it.

One Late engineer Chris, a citizen of America had a fixed deposit with my bank in 2008 for 72 calendar months, valued at US$8,700,000.00 (Eight Million, Seven Hundred Thousand US Dollars) the mature date for this deposit contract was this last 20 of March 2015. Sadly engineer Chris,was among the March 10, 2012 - The sad news of kidnapped that
led to death that killed over 10 people. He was in Nigeria on a business trip and that was how he met his end. My bank management is yet to know about his death, I knew about it because he was my friend and I am his account officer.

Mr.Chris, did not mention any Next of Kin/ Heir when the account was opened, and he was not married and no children. Last year my Bank Management requested that Mr.Chris, should give instructions on what to do about his funds, if to renew the contract.

I know this will happen and that is why I have been looking for a means to handle the situation, because if my Bank Directors happens to know that Mr.Chris, is dead and do not have any Heir, they will take the funds for their personal use, so I don't want such to happen. That was why when I saw you online I was happy and I am now seeking your co-operation to present you as Next of Kin/ Heir to the account, since you come from the Abroad like him and my bank head will release the account to you. There is no risk involved; the transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of law or it can be convert to ATM Card Visa Card and send to you through DHL,then you will be withdrew from it without any issue.

It is better that we claim the money, than allowing the Bank Directors to take it, they are rich already. I am not a greedy person, so I am suggesting we share the funds equal, 50/50% between us, my share will assist me to start my own company after my retirement next year which has been my dream. Let me know your mind on this and please do treat this information as TOP SECRET. We shall go over the details once I receive your urgent response. Have a great day and God bless.Anticipating your urgent response.

Best Regards,
Mr. Mark Johnson..

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam