419 scam: "Karen Walter"<karenappeal@sify.com> MY PERSONAL DONATION FOR THE NEEDY

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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:
- "million pounds" (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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
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.
- +447011138355 (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.
- tarlo_lyonslawfirm@mail2world.com (Mail2world; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Karen Walter" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <tarlo_lyonslawfirm@mail2world.com>
Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:28:52 -0700
Subject: MY PERSONAL DONATION FOR THE NEEDY

26 Kensington Court,
London, England.

MY PERSONAL DONATION FOR THE NEEDY

I am sincerely sorry for bugging into your privacy but this is a very
serious and life changing will and not an unsolicited email (spam).I am the
above named person but now undergoing medical treatment in London,England.
I am married to Dr. Jim Walter who worked with British Railway Commission
in Chelsea England for over a decade before he died in February 2009. We
were married for fifteen years without a child.He died after a brief
illness that lasted for two weeks.Before his death he made a vow to use his
wealth for the down trodden and the less privileged in the society.Since
his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial
home. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of ?10 Million
(Ten Million Pounds sterling) in a Vault with a security/Finance House in
Europe.Presently,this money is still there.Recently,my Doctor told me that
I would not last for the next 150 days due to cancer problem.Though what
disturbs me most is my cancer. Having known my condition I decided to
donate this fund to an individual or better still a God fearing person who
will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein.I want an
individual that will use this fund to provide succor to the poor and
indigent persons,orphanages, especially Haiti people.

I understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision
because I do not have any child that will inherit this money and my husband
relatives are not inclined to helping poor persons and I do not want my
husbands hard earned money to be misused or spent in the manner in which my
late husband did not specify. I do not want a situation where this money
will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold
decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going as I know
that I am going to be in the bosom of the Almighty.I do not need any
telephone communication in this regard because of my health, and because of
the presence of my husbands relatives around me always. I do not want them
to know about this development.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the
Security/Finance House in Europe. I will also issue you a letter of
authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this
fund,through my Lawyer. I want you to always pray for me. My happiness is
that lived a life worthy of emulation and whosoever that wants to serve the
Almighty God, must serve him in spirit and also in truth.Please always be
prayerful all through your life.Any delay in your reply will give me room
in sourcing for an individual for this same purpose.Please assure me that
you will act according to my specification herein. Hoping to hear from
you.

Thank you and may the Almighty God bless you.
You may also Reply this Mail Directly to my Lawyer via the following
information:

Name: Barrister Tarlo Lyons
E-mail:tarlo_lyonslawfirm@mail2world.com
:+447011138355

Yours sincerely,
Karen Walter(Mrs)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam