419 scam: "Robert S. Dewar"<high_commission@hotmail.com> We are Sorry(High Commissioner)

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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:
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
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.
- +2348068477644 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Robert S. Dewar" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <robtscottdewar@rediffmail.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2010 21:58:16 -0700
Subject: We are Sorry(High Commissioner)

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
Metro Plaza,Plot991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District,Abuja.
TEL: +234 8068477644.
Date: 16/09/2010
[ The British High Commission in Nigeria]

Attention;

We have been receiving complaints from many foreigners with reference to the scam activities of African Scammer's. In an attempt to reconcile Nigeria with such affected countries as yours, the Sum of US$850,000.00 has been mapped out as recompense to each victim.

The NFIU mapped out payment by ATM CARD as the only certified means of payment, hence your recompense amount has been issued in the ATM CARD which shall be sent to you as soon as possible through which you can cash your money.

Kindly forward to us the following information for the effectiveness :

Your Full Name:......................
Your Delivery Address....................
Your phone Number......................
Your occupation ........................

Looking forward to hear from you.

Yours in service

Robert Scott Dewar

CONSULAR/DIPLOMAT
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
ABUJA.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam