419 scam: "Ms.Elizabeth Richmond"<rtm.dms1@gmail.com> I decided to donate this

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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:
- "dear beloved," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "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)
- "my names are " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Ms.Elizabeth Richmond" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rtm.dms4@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2013 23:38:48 -0700
Subject: I decided to donate this

Dear Beloved,

First, I must apologies to you for using this medium to communicate to you
about this project but it is of utmost importance hence time is of great
essence. My names are Ms. Elizabeth F. Richmond and I was married to Dr.
James. Richmond who worked with the British embassy in Spain for nine years
before he died in March, 2007.We where married for eleven years without any
children.

He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days and when my
late husband was alive, he informed me that he had deposited the sum of
(USD$8.5 Million Dollars) in cash in a consignment with a security and finance company
and presently this consignment is still with them. The sad news is that my doctor just told me that I would
not last for long due to cancer problem and what disturbs me most is my stroke and having known my
condition, I decided to donate this funds for humanity and I am therefore looking for an individual that will
utilize this money the way I am going to instruct.

The person must also donate to orphanages, Research centers and widows
propagating the word and why I took this decision is because I don't have
any child that will inherit this money and I don't want a situation where
this money gets into the wrong hands of my husband's relatives hence I am
taking this bold decision. As soon as I receive your reply, I shall give you
the contact details of our family lawyer who would assist you claim this
consignment from the outfit where it is currently held so that you can
immediately transfer the funds to your personal account via bank telegraphic
wire transfer.

I will also issue a letter of authority that will empower you as the new
beneficiary of the consignment hence please assure me that you will act
accordingly as stated herein as I hope to hear from you soonest as you can
be rest assured that it will not take more than 7 working days for you to
receive the funds from the date you acknowledge receipt of this mail.

Remain Blessed ,

Ms.Elizabeth Richmond

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