419 scam: "MR Patrick Hugate." <ai5952702@gmail.com> URGENT MEMO

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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.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
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.
- patrickhugate830@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "MR Patrick Hugate." <ai5952702@gmail.com>
Reply-To: patrickhugate830@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 9 Aug 2021 14:28:16 -0700
Subject: URGENT MEMO

Hello Dear,

I write in good faith and trust that you will take a moment to
consider the content of this letter. I am Patrick Hugate, Head of
Internal Audits Lloyds Banking Group, London, UK.One of my Discrete
Official Duties is to look for relatives of Deceased Clients
(Depositors) without registered heir or next of kin and bring them
forward to receive their late relative's Estate. While working I
discovered the sum of US$12,300,000 (Twelve Million Three Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars) floating in an account opened in 1999,
which belongs to one Mr. K. P. bearing same last name with you,he died
in 2007. Every effort made to track any member of his family has since
failed because the deceased died leaving no heir or a will in his
file.

My intention is to use my office to facilitate the transfer of the
above sum to a safe account overseas. I want to propose that you
partner with me and stand in as the next of kin since you share the
same last name with the Diseased. You will be required to provide and
existing account or set up a new account that will serve the purpose
of receiving this fund.

The account has not been operated since he died in 2007 and nobody has
come forward to lay claims to it, hence the funds have been floating.
The information I have on this account is confidential as no other
person has access to it. If the funds are not remitted urgently, it
would be forfeited and subsequently converted to company's funds which
will benefit the companyâ€™s shareholders only. With my assistance the
fund will be legally approved to you with all the necessary documents
and approvals in your name. However, we will work side by side to
enable me guide you on how to apply for the funds.

As soon as I receive your response, I will send you more detail. I
completely trust you to keep this information absolutely private
because of my position in the Office. While replying, kindly forward a
copy of this letter back to me email for me to be sure you got my
letter and provide your Private Telephone and email contacts for easy
communication. I look forward to your prompt response.
Best Regards,

Patrick Hugate.
Lloyds Banking Group, London, UK
Private Emails: patrickhugate830@gmail.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam