# Freemasons' grant email is a scam

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2005/07/16/freemasons039-grant-email-scam/
- Published: 2005-07-16T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

An email from “The Freemason society of Bournemouth” offering charities a grant 
of £950,000 is a variation on the “419 (Advance Fee)” scam and should not be responded
to.
The email message purports to come from a Mr Paul kincaid (sic), of the “PRO
Freemason Society of Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth”.

Its subject line is “MASON 2005 GRANT(URGENT RESPONSE REQUIRED)”.

The message itself reads: “The Freemason society of Bournemouth under the jurisdiction
of the all Seeing Eye, Master Nicholas Brenner has after series of secret deliberations
selected you to be a beneficiary of our 2005 foundation laying grants and also an
optional opening at the round table of the Freemason society.

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“These grants are issued every year around the world in accordance with the objective
of the Freemasons as stated by Thomas Paine in 1810 which is to ensure the continuous
freedom of man and to enhance mans living conditions.

“We will also advice that these funds which amount to GB£950,000.00 be used to better
the lot of man through your own initiative and also we will go further to inform
that the open slot to become a Freemason is optional, you can decline the offer.

“In order to claim your grant, contact the Grand Lodge Office secretary David P.
Owen.

“Email: ow*******@**il.com

“Paul kincaid,

“PRO Freemason Society of Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth.”

If you respond to this message it is quite likely that you will receive demands 
for money before the “grant” can be released.

According to anti-spam campaigner Joe Wein, the message “arrived from an IP address
in Nigeria that’s been the source of several other 419 scams before.”

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