419 scam: "Mrs. Elena Bernard" <mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com> Compliment of the day.

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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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",500,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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.)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- "mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a next of kin 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.
- +229 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Elena Bernard" <mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com>
Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:24:06 +0100
Subject: Compliment of the day.

Compliment of the day,

I refer to the letter I posted to your address, but did not hear it
and decided to email again.

I am pleased to introduce myself, I am Mrs. Elena Bello Bernard a I am
Mrs.Elena Bello Bernard a Barrister / solicitor with Doctor Fruhbeck
Abogados S.L.P. which is one of the reliable and reputable law firms
here in Benin Republic Territories, personal attorney to a deceased
client of mine a nationality of your country.

My client, wife and their only daughter were involved in a car
accident here in my country and lost their lives years back.

I am contacting you to assist me to repatriate Euro 8,500,000.00
because the deposited fund duration has expired and needs renewal or
withdrawal from their bank or otherwise the fund will be confiscated
and transfer over to the government treasury.

Please contact me from your private email address to this email
(mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com) for more information.

Regards,
Mrs. Elena Bello Bernard / Solicitors
Doctor Fruhbeck Abogados SLP
Barristers - Solicitors & Conveyancers
Address: Carre 2200 Zone D 'Ambassade
Akpakpa 00229 Cotonou - Benin
Email: mrs.elenab.bernard@outlook.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam