419 scam: "Mr. Martin Johnson"<renzo_anton0123@yahoo.com.hk> VERY URGENT NOTIFICATION !

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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:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Martin Johnson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnson_mr.martin@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Fri, 8 Oct 2010 15:32:50 -0700
Subject: VERY URGENT NOTIFICATION !

FOREIGN OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT.
CONTRACT/INHERITANCE PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
Your Ref: #: MAV/SHELL/FGUK/MIN/0010

My name is Mr. Martin Johnson, Secretary & Senior Commercial Manager Nat West Bank Plc. London UK. In our Central Computer, we discovered on paid list of Contractors, Inheritance next of kin and Lotto beneficiaries that was originated from London Uk, Europe, Asia Plus Middle East and American)

Your name appeared among the list of beneficiaries who will receive payment of ($5,500,000.00) and has been approved already for Payment. Yesterday two foreigners (Mr. Tim Parker and Mr. Rowland Gulf) visited my office to inform me that they are your representatives from Africa, whom you have send to received your payment on your behalf. (IS THAT TRUE?)

Due to the numerous scam activities going on around the world, I suspected them and gave it a second thought why you should send these men to come on your behalf. If actually you want them to help you receive your Inheritance payment Bill Sum, at-least you should have informed my office earlier before now.

Kindly clarify us on this issue before we make this Payment to these foreigners whom came on your behalf. In receipt of this confidential Letter, you are required to write this office immediately to enable us put a stop on the transaction and get them arrested.

Once again, you are advice to get back to this office as soon as possible.

I am waiting to receive your response.

YOURS SINCERELY,

Mr. Martin Johnson.
Secretary& Senior Commercial Manager
Nat West Bank Plc.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam