419 scam: "Dr. John Varley"<info@onlinebfgrp.net> IMMEDIATE INHERITANCE PAYMENT REF: MAV/BDBR/MIN/2011 (US $10m)

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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:
- "foreign remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
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.
- +447024013060 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- dr.johnvarley2011@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr. John Varley" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Dr.johnvarley2011@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:49:18 +0100
Subject: IMMEDIATE INHERITANCE PAYMENT REF: MAV/BDBR/MIN/2011 (US $10m)

Dr. John Varley
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT,
OUR REF: CBB/IRD/CBX/021/11.
E-MAIL; (Dr.johnvarley2011@hotmail.com)
Tel; +447024013060

Attn.

IMMEDIATE INHERITANCE PAYMENT REF: MAV/BDBR/MIN/2011 (US $10m)

We are prompted to contact you directly from the foreign operations department of BARCLYS BANK UK, regarding your FUNDS. We wish to inform you that due to our reputation and experience in the banking system, we the BARCLYS BANK PLC, were therefore given the mandate in conjunction with the IMF, WORLD BANK and other international bodies to process and release of your FUNDS.

You shall be treated with the best possible service within the abilities of this office and in line with company policies. And meanwhile due to the strict policies and financial requirements attached in making direct transfers of huge sums of this magnitude, the managements of this bank BARCLYS BANK) has therefore concluded that we want you to know the first step in the process to Follow the Instruction of payment for your MONEY is already in our possession and shall be acted upon your meeting the requirements. Also this payment will come to you via (CASH DELIVERY) diplomatic cash payment and (wire transfer into your CREDIT CARD).

Reconfirm the followings information for proper verification and claim processing of your funds: 1) Your full name.... 2) Phone, fax and mobile#...3) company’s name...position.... and address, Profession ...age ...and marital status...5) Copy of int'l passport or any scanned identity to prove yourself. Kindly re-confirm the following information to Dr. John Varley, the Chief Executive Director Of Barclays Bank of England.

Thanks

Congratulations

Regards,

From Dr. John Varley
Chief Executive Director
Barclays Bank of England.

** BARCLYS BANK PLC, Registered in UK. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5HP.Regulated by the ENGLAND Government and Financial Services Authority.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam