419 scam: "MARY" <info-mary@myself.com> GREETING FROM MARY

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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:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
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:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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)
- "a diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
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.
- mrs.mary.d@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "MARY" <info-mary@myself.com>
Reply-To: MRS.MARY.D@hotmail.com
Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:22:46 -0400
Subject: GREETING FROM MARY

Dear Beloved
Greeting to you in the name of the almighty Lord I'm 62years old Woman and I
send you this message Because I hope that I will get in return of your
attention. Let’s just be honest with you, during a stroll in my spare time on
the Internet I came across your contact address. And that is when I decided to
contact you about my project. I would be sincerely apologizing for this
message if this message will be in any disturbed to you. My doctor just
informed me that I am suffering from cancer throat which I suffer Terribly my
marital status is such that I have no Husband, I left alone NO children, I am
a Canadian citizen who Stays in London UK who worked as a diplomat for many
years, I have no one to whom I could leave my INHERITANCE.
That is why I contacted you to know if you will work for me to use this money
for work of God When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $3.5
Million Dollars with a security company in London United Kingdom Presently
this money is still in the custody of the security company in London I want
you to use this money for humanitarian project. And the need people or for any
other good humanitarian work. if you will do this work Please let me know so
that I can give you more details about this project But I will also like you
to think very well before replying me this message,

Recently, my Doctor confirmed to me that I would not last for the next Eight
months due to cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to donate
this fund to a Church, organization or good person that will utilize this
money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want this money to go for
church, organization or orphanages if you will do this work I need, following
information:
I need your address and especially your full name and complete your
profession. I will take steps to ensure that an emissary to see to what extent
transfers these funds and you meet to implement the humanitarian project.
Thanks and Remain blessed in the Lord, as you did contact me via email
MRS.MARY.D@hotmail.com
l remain yours sister in Christ.
Mrs. Mary P Duggan

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam