419 scam: Steven Cohen <mr.nathancheong@gmail.com> Dear Friend

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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.

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- ",500,000" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: Steven Cohen <mr.nathancheong@gmail.com>
Reply-To: sc3432142@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2021 13:18:21 -0800
Subject: Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

I am Steven Cohen, I work with a well known b a n k here in the USA.
I wish to place your name as the next Of kin to my late client, to be
a beneficiary of ($5,500,000) he died without any heirs, since you
share a similar name.

I assure you that this transaction will be executed in a manner that
will protect you from any breach of the law both in your country and
here.

I am requesting your collaboration with me, the fund will be released
to you as the beneficiary (Next of Kin}

Kindly revert back to me if you are willing to be part of this.

Awaiting your quick response,
Mr. Steven Cohen,

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam