419 scam: John Willmott <John.Willmott@brisbane.qld.gov.au> Attn; Beneficiary

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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:

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)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- +447010752544 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
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.
- mr.john_mayer@yahoo.co.uk (Yahoo, United Kingdom; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: John Willmott <John.Willmott@brisbane.qld.gov.au>
Date: Fri, 4 Oct 2013 16:39:18 +0000
Subject: Attn; Beneficiary

Attn; Beneficiary

4th of October 2013

Greetings,

My name is Mrs. Mariam Robinson, I have decided to donate what I have to you. I was diagnosed with cancer Few years ago, immediately after the death of my husband, who has left me everything he worked for. I have been inspired by God to donate my inheritance from my late husband to you for the good work of God, rather than allow my relatives to use my husband's hard earned funds in ungodly pursuits. I am suffering from a long time cancer of the Lungs which also affected my hearing ability and my brain. From all indication my conditions is deteriorating and it is quite obvious that, according to my doctors they have advised me that I may not live long. This is because the cancer has reached a very serious stage.

I have disposed of all my inherited belongings and deposited the resultant sum of $10 million dollars and two trunks filled with family valuables with a Security Company. I decided to bequeath the sum of $10,000,000.00 to you. I wish you all the best and may the good Lord bless you abundantly, and please use the funds well and always extend the good work to others. Contact Mr. John Mayer with this specified email: mr.john_mayer@yahoo.co.uk<mailto:mr.john_mayer@yahoo.co.uk> Tell: +447010752544 and tell him that I have bequeathed $10,000,000.00 my personal reference number law/chamber/solicitors/je/ws/WILL/9834520012. I have also notified him that I am bequeathing that amount to you by my personal decision. While, I don't know you but I have been directed to do this. Thanks and God bless. I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished as I don't want anything that will jeopardize my last wish.

Warmest Regards,

Mrs. Mariam Robinson

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Anti-fraud resources:

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