419 scam: "Mrs. Christina Smith" <donations@charity.com> Re: Charity Management

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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:
- "million us 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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.
Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Christina Smith" <donations@charity.com>
Reply-To: js878241@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2016 17:42:14 +0800
Subject: Re: Charity Management

Greetings,

As you read this I do not want you to feel sorry for me because I know everyone will die someday, my name is Mrs. Christina Smith, a Merchant in London. I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and have been in the hospital for a very long time after all forms of medical treatment with no success, now I have just few weeks to live according to the medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life well as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but my business and wealth only. Though am rich but not generous, I was hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for, but now I regret all this because I just find out there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I have willed and shared most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended family, I want God to be merciful to me and save my soul.

I got your contact on my personal computer after praying this morning and have decided to give out my last money for a humanitarian work, as I will not know what is going to happen to it if I die in few coming weeks according to the medical experts. My dear I do not want you to feel sorry for me but pray for my soul, I want this to be my last good deeds on earth before Gods call. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money to charity organizations but they refused and kept the money to themselves and for that I do not trust them anymore as they seem not to be ok with all I have left for them. I want you to help me distribute this $3.5 Million US Dollars for charity, you will have to claim the money on my behalf from the bank through the help of my lawyer and distribute 80% to the Motherless, Widows and Less Privilege in your country and take 20% for your own personal welfare and always pray for my soul.

Please do contact my lawyer with the details below, He already knows of my plans as I have notified him that I am giving that amount to you by my personal decision.

Name: Barrister Iian G. Mitchell
Email: lawyers@waterquan.com

Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Christina Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam