419 scam: Mary Clough <demo@tectoniatrade.de> I am waiting for your immediate response!!!

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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:
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Mary Clough <demo@tectoniatrade.de>
Reply-To: <marycloughprivate@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 26 Oct 2022 05:57:45 -0700
Subject: I am waiting for your immediate response!!!

Dear Sir,

Let me start by introducing myself, I am Mrs. Mary Clough. I live and work in Glasgow, United Kingdom. I have years of experience in investment, private equity and project financing.

A top banker friend of mine uncovered a dormant account that has GBP £19,800,000.00 (Nineteen Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Great Britain Pounds). The account had been abandoned for over ten years and could not be traced to anybody.

My friend had asked me to get a partner who will collaborate with us in retrieving the money hence I contacted you. I want you to assist us in repatriating the money. It is a deal between us. You will be greatly compensated. Part of our share will be invested in your country.

You will be presented to the bank as the Next of Kin to the original depositor of the funds. Necessary documents and information will be made available to you at every stage.

I need your understanding and collaboration to get this money out from the bank otherwise the bank will confiscate it in coming weeks.

There is no risk involved. With my friend at the bank, everything will be legally done.

To proceed, kindly provide your following details;

Names:
Address:
Telephone number:
Age:
Occupation:

I am waiting for your immediate reply.

Warm regards
Mrs. Mary Clough
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam