419 scam: "Gary Bitz" <admin@localhost.com> From: Mr. Gary J Bitz 74

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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 "dying merchant" 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.
- garyjbitz5@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Gary Bitz" <admin@localhost.com>
Reply-To: garyjbitz5@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:46:57 -0600
Subject: From: Mr. Gary J Bitz 74

Mr. Gary J Bitz
Add: 7910 Misty Ln,
Stockton. CA,
USA.
Email: garyjbitz5@gmail.com

Dear Friend,

I am Gary J Bitz, USA Citizen. I was browsing and I saw your mail So I decided to write you if your email is still valid.

Please accept my apology for this unsolicited contact, I have been diagnosed with Lung cancer. It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live. I am very rich, but was never generous; I have given most of my assets to my immediate family members.

I have decided to give alms to charity organizations. I cannot do this myself anymore because of my health. I once asked members of my family to give some money to charity organizations, they refused and kept the money.

I have a huge cash deposit of ($85.5M) eighty five Million five hundred thousand united states dollars with a Security Company in USA. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatch it to charity organizations.

You will take out 30% of these funds for your assistance to help me disburse this fund to charities and 70% for the charity project. I will like you to acknowledge the receipt of this message as soon as possible and treats with absolute confidentiality and sincerity.

Please kindly write to my personal alternative EMAIL: garyjbitz5@gmail.com

Look forward to hear from you soon!

Peace of the Lord be with you and family.

Thank you.

Best Regards,

Gary J Bitz

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam