419 scam: "Mr. Hilton Browne" <mark.bruwel@optusnet.com.au> Financial Services Compensation Scheme

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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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 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.
- howardwoods.steeltrustbank@usa.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Hilton Browne" <mark.bruwel@optusnet.com.au>
Reply-To: officedeskfeedback12@op.pl
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2023 21:05:10 -0700
Subject: Financial Services Compensation Scheme

After an extensive close door meeting yesterday, it was resolved and agreed upon that STEEL TRUST BANK (STB) will work extensively to ensure that all contract payment, Inheritance and Lottery Winning Prizes be settled without any hassle. For security reasons, an online account will open on your behalf and this will enable only you to have direct control over your funds. We will monitor this payment ourselves to avoid the hopeless situation created by previous bank officials.

An irrevocable payment guarantee has been issued by the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on your Payment. However, we are happy to inform you that based on our recommendation / Instructions; your complete Inheritance funds have been credited in your favor through Transfer.
You are therefore advice to contact:
STEEL TRUST BANK
Forex Department
Email: howardwoods.steeltrustbank@usa.com

You are requested to contact him now for your fund. As soon as you establish a contact with him, an online account will be set up for you and you can make a transfer by yourself to any bank anywhere in the world. So, if you like to receive your funds through this means, you are advised to contact (Mr. Howard Woods) with the following information as Stated below:

1. Your Full Name:
2. Address:
3. Age:
4. Occupation:
5. Telephone Numbers:

NOTE: You are advised to furnish Mr. Howard Woods with your correct and valid details. Also be informed that the amount to be paid to you is Three Million United States Dollars, we expect your urgent response to this email to enable us to monitor the payment effectively.

Sincerely Yours,

Mr. Hilton Browne

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam