419 scam: "Barr.Veronica.Adams" <oofficexxx76665@yahoo.pt> RE : HAPPY NEW YEAR (2015) TO YOU.

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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.
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:
- "necessary legal documents" (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. )
- "huge deposit" (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)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
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.
- barr.veronica.adams@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Barr.Veronica.Adams" <oofficexxx76665@yahoo.pt>
Reply-To: "Barr.Veronica.Adams" <barr.veronica.adams@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 12:53:28 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: RE : HAPPY NEW YEAR (2015) TO YOU.

Attention: Sir,Â I amBarrister Mrs. Veronica Adams a solicitor at law. I am the personal attorney toMr. Mark Ostler a national of your country, who used to work with Shell -Development Company in Nigeria. Here in after shall be referred to as myclient.Â On the21st of April 1999, my client, his wife and their three children were involvedin a car accident along Sagbama express road. All occupants of the vehicleunfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several inquiries toyour embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives.Â Afterthese several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to track his last name over theInternet, to locate any member of his family hence I contacted you.Â I havecontacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property left behind bymy client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bankwhere this huge deposit were lodged. Particularly, the finance company wherethe deceased had an account valued at about USD$15.2 million dollars has issuedme a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confiscated withinthe next ten (10) official working days.Â Since Ihave been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 2 years now I seekyour consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you havethe same last name so that the proceeds of this account valued at USD15.2million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can share the money. 60%to me and 40% to you I have all necessary legal documents that can be used toback up any claim we may make. All I require is your honest cooperation toenable us seeing this deal through.Â Note :Please reply me via confidential e-mail address here:barr.veronica.adams@gmail.comÂ Iguarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that willprotect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me by my emailand send to me your telephone and fax numbers to enable us discuss furtherabout this transaction.Â Bestregards,Â Â BarristerMrs. Veronica Adams (SAN, ESQ).ADAMâ€™SCHAMBERS AND ASSOCIATES.Â Â

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam