419 scam: "Mr.James Williams"<unitednations986@yahoo.es> OFFICIAL NOTE

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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:
- "stamp duty" (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. )
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "dr.jameswilliams01@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.James Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <williamsjames614@yahoo.es>
Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 00:04:46 -0700
Subject: OFFICIAL NOTE

Having reviewed all scam cases,the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Europe and Africa Headquarters,have joined forces to

compensate you as one of the 24 verified victims sequel to the Asia,Africa, Europe scammed list with a sum worth of (USD$92,000)Ninety-Two thousand

Dollars.The Board of Directors of World Health Organization (WHO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) has ordered our Foreign Payment Remittance Unit to

issue you a CORPORATE VISA CARD where your payment will be uploaded and today we got a notice that your Payment have been uploaded into this CORPORATE VISA

CARD and also have registered it with Express Courier Service for delivery to you immediately.

For your information, The delivery charges have been paid and they were supposed to have shipped your packaged ATM CARD but they insisted that you must

re-confirm to them your current delivery address to ensure accurate Delivery.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Due to the content of the package, Courier Service Company mandated that before your package will be shipped, A Tax Stamp Duty MUST be

procured according to the New Customs Law and the essence of such Document is to ensure a hitch-free delivery.Therefore re-confirm your current delivery

address as stated to Express Courier Service Director via the email Below:

1) Full names:
2) Address:
3) Country:
4) Nationality:
5) Phone #:
6) Age:
7) Occupation:
8) Zip Code
9) Sex:

Please hurry now as your package might incur demurage if it stays more than 3days with Courier company.

Thanks,

Dr.James Williams
Payment Coordinator
dr.jameswilliams01@live.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam