419 scam: Michael Williams <consult.judiciarylaw01@gmail.com> News About your late Relative

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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.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "affidavit of claim" (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. )
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a next of kin 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.
- consult.judiciarylaw01@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Michael Williams <consult.judiciarylaw01@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 17:46:23 +0000
Subject: News About your late Relative

Dear Friend,

I am Honorable Michael Williams, A legal attorney, I need your urgent
assistance for the claiming the total sum of S$7.5 Million belonging
to my late client deposited in a bank.

Therefore, since you have the same name and nationality with my late
client, I want you to stand as the next of kin and the beneficiary for
the funds because my late client died in a motor accident with his
family without leaving anybody to be presented to the bank as the next
of kin of the funds.

The Bank here in Togo, has issued me a notice to provide the sole next
of kin or have his account confiscated within the next twenty one
official working days.

We have to begin the transaction by registering your data as the
appointed beneficiary, thereafter I shall procure an affidavit of
claim with your information and then the transaction begins. I shall
direct you and advice you in each step as we progress. So kindly send
the following information to get started, and please make sure all
information you provide are accurate

1. Your full name
2. Your home or office address
3. Your correct telephone number
4. Your age and Sex
5. Your occupation
6. The scan copy of your passport or id card

Best regards.

Yours faithfully
Honorable Michael Williams
Solicitor-at-law (CDF, LLM. BL)
Email: consult.judiciarylaw01@gmail.com

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam