419 scam: "Mrs.Deborah Snow." <wfr440266@gmail.com> DEAREST BELOVED

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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:
- "million 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)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs.Deborah Snow." <wfr440266@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mjjc74354@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2021 09:53:35 +0000
Subject: DEAREST BELOVED

Hello

My Name is Mrs. Deborah Snow, I have been doing God's work for over
30yrs now, I am also the founder of grace life ministries (Church); I
am a dying woman who has decided to donate, all what I have to
you/church. I am 58 years old and I was diagnosed for cancer 2 years
ago. Immediately after the death of my husband, who left me everything
he worked for.

The doctors just told me, I will not live longer than some weeks
because of my health, I decided to will/donate the sum of $15Million
dollars to you for the good work of humanity and also to help the
motherless, less privilege and also for widows. I wish you the best
and may the good Lord bless you abundantly and please use the funds
well and always extend the good work to others. it is very important
you forward to me your information.

Your full name .....................
Contact address......................
Telephone numbers ...................
Your age ............................
Your occupation ....................

Your information's is being requested because the LETTER OF
AUTHORIZATION that will enable the bank release and transfer the funds
to you requires your correct information's. As soon as I hear from
you, I will send the power of Attorney to the bank and I will give you
the contact information of the bank account officer.

I Await your kind response while hoping you will appreciate my
helpless predicament.

I don't know you. But I have been directed to do this by God almighty.
Thanks and God bless you.
Best Regards,
Mrs.Deborah Snow.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam