419 scam: "Mr. Willie Linger" <sly.johnsona3@gmail.com> HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

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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:
- "may come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
This email message is a "dying merchant" 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.
- williamlinger@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Willie Linger" <sly.johnsona3@gmail.com>
Reply-To: williamlinger@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 8 Aug 2022 01:41:40 +0100
Subject: HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

HELP IN DISTRIBUTING FUNDS TO THE POOR AND NEEDY

>From Mr. Willie Linger

This letter may come to you as a surprise, but I have to say that I
have no intentions of putting you into any form of stress or worries.
As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me because I
believe everyone will die someday.

My name is Mr. Willie Linger, a business tycoon based in British
Virgin Islands. I have been diagnosed with prostate and esophageal
Cancer that was discovered very late due to my laxity in caring for my
health. It has defiled all form of medicine and right now, I have only
about just 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 or my family but my business.

The last of my money, which is the huge cash deposit that I have with
a Financial Firm abroad. I will want you to help me collect this
deposit and distribute it to charity organizations in your country and
let them know that I Mr. Willie Linger is making this generous
donation. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact
of the Bank and how much I deposited there. I will also issue you a
Letter of Authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary
of this fund. My happiness would be if my last wish is obeyed and
fulfilled.Also, please assure me that you will act just as I have
stated herein. Hope to hear from you soon and God bless you and
members of your family. Please do reply me through my private e-mail
here (williamlinger@yahoo.com). I am waiting for your reply and God be
with you.

Regards,

Mr. Willie Linger.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam