419 scam: "Mr Patrick K W Chan" <pk.wchan@cc.cust.edu.tw> Re

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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:

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:
- "30% for you " (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 next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: pk_wchan041@w.cn
Date: Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:40:12 +0800
Subject: Re

Let me start by introducing myself,I am Mr.patrick chan, the Executive
Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Hang Seng Bank,Hong Kong. Aniraqi
man made a fixed deposit of (30,millionUSD) and he died with his entire
family leaving behind no next of kin, am ready to share 65% for me, 5% will
be use to settle any expenses and 30% for you if you choose to stand as my
deceased client next of kin. What I require from you is your honest co-
operation and I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of the law. Please
accept my apologies, keep my confidence and disregard this email if you do
not appreciate this proposition I have offered you.if you are interested
please notify to send to me this information.

1. YOUR NAME
2. YOUR RESIDENT ADDRESS
3. YOUR OCCUPATION
4. YOUR PHONE NUMBER
5. DATE OF BIRTH
6. COUNTRY OF RESIDENT

Mind you your names and address will be used by my Attorney to prepare the
needed documents that will back you up as the sole beneficiary of my deceased
client funds. I wait to hear from you anyway, I have spoken my honest mind to
you this day.
Best Regards,
Mr.Patrick.Chan

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam