419 scam: "Esther Madhuku"<esther.madhuku@google.com> On behalf of the family

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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:
- "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. )
- "robert mugabe" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Esther Madhuku" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <esther.madhuku@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2013 22:31:23 -0000
Subject: On behalf of the family

Dear Beloveth,

With due respect, trust and humility, I send you this proposal, which I believe would be of great interest for both of us. I found your contact online from international world trade directory.

I am Mrs. Esther Madhuku the wife of Late Mr. Nelson Madhuku, who was the “Chairman” of the farmers co-operation in Zimbabwe, and supporter of

Democratic Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe through the head of (opposition party) Morgan Tsvangirai who lost his wife in an accident

plotted by our President Robert Mugabe.

In this "WILL" he specifically pointed and I Quote, “Darling, I wish to draw your attention to the sum of US$19.5 million, which I deposited with a

Security Company in South Africa with all the documents filed, by our lawyer and issued to me & my son. In case of our absence on earth caused by

death, only, you should solicit for a foreigner partner, an organization or an individual that can assist you to transfer or secure the money out of

South Africa for investment purposes and humanitarian projects to support your work for God and he told me immediately the government started eyeing

his business and involvements with the white farmers. Please take good care of “James Madhuku" and yourself; we shall meet to part no more.

We are presently in South Africa as Refugees (Asylum Seekers) and as such the law of South Africa does not permit us or any Refugees to operate or

open any bank account here in South Africa or be involved in any financial transaction with the bank, that is why we contacted you to assist us as

soon as possible to transfer or secured this fund to your account/domain and for us to move out of this country.

We seek the assistance of a Foreigner or Company secure our Family "WILL" If you are willing to work with I and my son (James Madhuku) and your

present work commitment could permit you in these Projects, We are ready to negotiate percentage with you for accepting to assist us then we shall

be glad to give you more clarification on the modalities needed for the smooth successful completion of this transaction. I anticipate your quick

response.

Mrs. Esther Madhuku
(On behalf of the family)

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam