419 scam: "GRAHAM GROSS" <grahamgross@att.net> BUSINESS OFFER

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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "to your nominated bank account" (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)
- "million united state 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)
- "hundred thousand united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "GRAHAM GROSS" <grahamgross@att.net>
Reply-To: gross.graham@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:51:31 +0800
Subject: BUSINESS OFFER

Dear Friend,

First let me introduce myself to you. I am Mr. Graham Gross from the United Kingdom. I am interested in investing in a private business. Before we proceed I will like you to know more about me and my occupation and the reason I wanted to invest in your country. I am a financial Manager with a bank in London, United Kingdom. I have interest in resigning and focus on business in your country if you are willing to help. Below are the details and the source of fund.
During Egyptain Revolution Our Client Mr. Collins Alfonzo who was a business man. During is business he made several fixed deposit for about two years, with the value of 13.5 Million United State Dollars (Thirteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) with my branch. Upon Maturity several notices was sent to him, even during the Egyptain Revoultion early in the year. We send another notice to him and still no response came from him.
We later find out that Mr. Collins Alfonzo was killed during the Egyptain Revolution at a bomb blast that hit their villa in the city of allexandar Egypt. After further investigation it was also discover that Mr. Collins Alfonzo did not declare any next of kin in his official banking documents for the deposit. He also said to me during the last visit with my branch, that no one knows about the money except me knew of the deposit with my bank. So 13.5 Million United State Dollars (Thirteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) is lying and no one will ever come forward to claim it. What bothers me it's the UK Law which states that at the expiration of 1 year the fund will be reverted to the government if nobody applies to claim it.
Against this backdrop my suggestion is that I will want you as a foreigner to stand as the next of kin for Mr. Collins Alfonzo so that you will be able to receive the fund. I want you to know that I have put everything in place so that it will be successful. I have contact an attorney that will prepare the necessary document stating you as the next of kin and new beneficiary of the fund. All that is required at this stage is as follows

* Full Names
* Contact Address
* Mobile Number
* Nationality

I want you to know that there is no risk involved because we are going to adopt legalize method and the attorney will prepare all document. Once the fund as be transfer to your nominated bank account, we shall share in the ratio of 60% for me and 40% for you. My 60% will be invested in your country in any profitable business.
I will be waiting for your prompt respond if you are interested.

Regards,
Mr. Graham Gross

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