419 scam: "Barbara Wolniakowski." <info.dept@fastwebmail.it> need your assistance

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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:

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:
- "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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22999101155 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- reverend.moses@tlen.pl (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Barbara Wolniakowski." <info.dept@fastwebmail.it>
Reply-To: reverend.moses@tlen.pl
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:26:24 +0530 (IST)
Subject: need your assistance

Greetings my beloved one,
I know it will be a great surprise to you reading from me today but consider this a divine intervention as my pastor explained to my understanding. My Name is Mrs. Barbara Wolniakowski, I am 72 years old and from United States of America. I want to entrust Charity Funds in your care but first will want to let you know reasons behind my action. I had a Joint Cotton business with my Late Husband Dr. George Wolniakowski , we were married for 25 years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only two weeks. Before his death we were both faithful Christians. Since his death I decided not to remarry or beget a child outside my matrimonial home which is against my faith.
Since the death of my Husband, I managed his business investments until my present Medical Condition developed. After being diagnosed of Breast Cancer Last stage during my general checkup, i could not manage my Late Husband's Investments anymore so I sold all the family properties abroad and realized the total sum of $11.4 Million United States dollars. This money i want to use to assist the less privilege, motherless babies, Single mothers and widows in our society but will need your assistance to reach them as my health has become a barrier to my dreams.

In my search for a trusted one that will send the ATM to you as my departure was impromptu for treatment, I handed the ATM card to ( Reverend Moses Edondo Auxillary Bishop of Cotonou ) at the Holy Cross Cathedral sisters convent. Kindly Contact him with your detailed address where to send your ATM Card by Courier service the ATM and also your mobile or Telephone for facilitated communication. The email and Telephone number of Reverend Moses Edondo are ( reverend.moses@tlen.pl ) and ( +229 99101155) respectively. Feel free to Discuss with him the modality to send the ATM to your address as soon as possible.
I am compelled to write you this letter because my Doctor said that I have only few days to live as my condition has become so critical but since i am without relatives, will want you to claim the Funds as my sole beneficiary. I cannot travel now nor utilize the money so i want you to Contact Reverend Mose and use it to better the lives of the less privileged in the society. I am getting weaker by the day due to my age and condition so contact him urgently to assist you as my days are numbered.
In compensation for your assistance, i want you to keep 30 percent of the total funds for your troubles and the balance must go to Charity as agreed. You will be furnished with more information on how to Claim the funds as soon as i have your word and promise not to betray my trust. Send your full details with picture to the Bishop and let him know your plans for the less privileged and the poor around you.
PLEASE consider this email a secret between us and treat with urgency, I await your response as soon as possible. Remain Blessed.
Sincerely,Barbara Wolniakowski.

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