419 scam: "Tony Johnson Esq."<tonyjohnson_tj20062006@yahoo.com.cn> Tony Johnson Esq.

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million united states 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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Tony Johnson Esq." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tonyjohnson2000@w.cn>
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2010 02:25:50 -0800
Subject: Tony Johnson Esq.

Dear Friend

With all due respect, My name is Tony Johnson Esq and an attorney by profession, in my
quest to find a reliable trustee to manage the assets/estate of my late client valued
at only US$11,000,000.00 (Eleven Million United States Dollars), I contacted you and
it is the only reason why you are receiving this email from me I shall be willing to
supply you with more detailed information concerning this business project upon
hearing back from you.

I have no intention whatsoever to delve into your private life considering the fact
that you have never had any communication with me in the past, but due to the nature
of this business project based on the fact that I lack the locus-stand to assume the
role of the trustee or appoint any of my relation to become the trustee by virtue of
the facts and circumstances surrounding this project,

I am left with no other choice, but to carry out a discreet search for a reputable
person outside the shores of my country and consequently seek your stewardship.
If you wish to render your selfless service, but very rewarding, do provide me with
your telephone numbers and home address via email.

I shall provide you with more detailed information upon hearing back from you. Thank
you, all inconvenience is regretted.

Best regards,
Tony Johnson Esq.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam