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.
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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
"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 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.
giftjohnson511@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Dear Sir/Madam
As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone of us will die one day.
My name is Mrs Gift Johnson, A merchant in Dubai U.A.E, I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer which was discovered very late by my Doctors, Due to my laxity in carrying for my health. It has defiled all forms of medications, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts.
I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world.
I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it before by Gods Grace. Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close friends.
I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul if i am dead, I have decided to give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Malaysia and Europe and Africa. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself any more. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan and Sudan, they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore and i don't want to have anything to do with them any longer, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them and have been planning to kill me since,even before i fail this sick.
I have This last of my money which no one knows of,Which I deposit with a Security Company.It is a Cash Deposit of $24 Million Dollars.
I will want you to Stand as my Next of Kind collect this deposit from the Security Company and Use this Money in the Development of Churches/mosque and dispatched some to charity organizations around the world.
You will set aside 20% of this Money for yourself, Because of your time and patience and for accepting to do this great work of God. May the Good God Bless and Guide you in all you endeavor in Jesus Name. You can also contact me with this email address. giftjohnson511@yahoo.com
God be with you.
yours,
Mrs Gift Johnson
