419 scam: "Mr. Thomas Richardson" <info@usa.org> From International Monetary Fund (IMF)

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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:
- "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)
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.
- zionsbankonline@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Thomas Richardson" <info@usa.org>
Reply-To: <zionsbankonline@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 8 Sep 2021 08:50:36 -0700
Subject: From International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Attention Dear,

This is to inform you that your funds actualization has come after our meeting with the ZIONS BANK HEAD OFFICE TODAY , It has been agreed that your approved funds valued $15.500,000.00 USD will be Register through Zions Bank of America Inter-swift Online Banking method and You shall transfer your funds into your designated Bank Account through their Wire Transfer system.

You're to contact MR SCOTT ANDERSON, THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ZIONS BANK (Main Head Office) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with your details to enable him create and transfer your fund online.

Confirm Below Information;

1) Your Full Name as stated on your ID Card:
2) Your Phone Number :
3) Your Whatsapp Number:
4) Your home Address: :
5) Your Age:

Once you send it to him on this email Address,(zionsbankonline@gmail.com ) will provide you with the form to fill and they will open the online account for you and send you the details so you can use your hand and transfer your funds online. Thank you for Banking with Us,

Regards,
Mr. Thomas Richardson (Director)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam