419 scam: "George Williams"<williamG@imf.org> IMF, We look forward to hear from you.

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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:
- "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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "George Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <unupdate012@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:43:39 +0100
Subject: IMF, We look forward to hear from you.

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

700 19th Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. 20431

Telephone Operator: (202) 623-7011

Fax: (202) 623-4600

Congratulation!

Dear lucky fund owner,

We have finally resolved your transaction processes with the appointed crediting bank for immediate transfer of your total sum of $8,200,000.00 as directed by United Nations organization.

Now, you are advice quickly to get back us for your transaction release 5digit CODE. And as soon as you receive this 5digit CODE, you would be advised to forward it together with your bank information to our appointed paying bank for immediate transfer of your fund to your bank account without delay.

Warm Regards

George Williams

IMF Director.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam