419 scam: "Craig Johnson"<cjohnsonlaw1@gmail.com> Craig Johnson & Associates LLP, LPA

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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:
- "million 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)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Craig Johnson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <cjohnsonlaw1@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:38:20 +0200
Subject: Craig Johnson & Associates LLP, LPA

Craig Johnson & Associates LLP, LPA
P.O. Box 3029
10509 Tallin,
Estonia

Attention: Sir,

We are limited partnership advisors seeking a confidential co-operation with you in the execution of a business deal. We would like you to participate in our current bid at re-profiling some funds pending when we make adequate arrangements to meet with you - in person (after-the finalization of this arrangement).

Our deceased client that shares the same last name as yours died as a result of heart-related conditions on March 12th 2007. I am contacting you to assist us receive the investment fund left behind by my client before it is confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this deposit valued at US$18 Million(eighteen million dollars) is lodged. The bank has issued a notice requesting that we notify the next of kin to our deceased client.

This is a legitimate transaction and must be concluded in a matter of weeks. We will draw up a MOU that will form a binding framework for us all to work with and stand by. Kindly write me back so that I can forward you further information which will give you a clear understanding of this exciting opportunity.

Cordially,

CRAIG T. JOHNSON, Esq.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam