419 scam: leo Hounsou <lhakuchil04@msn.com> How are you today?

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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:

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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +22997145277 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
- +22993149159 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: leo Hounsou <lhakuchil04@msn.com>
Reply-To: <swifttrajp@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 11:50:49 +0000
Subject: How are you today?

Hi.
I need your partnership in my effort to transfer the sum of $180 million US dollars to any good account you may provide, if you are interested in partnering with me, please reply and ask for more details or call me directly on +229-97145277 .
If you are willing to take part in this project please send the following details;
Address:...........................................
Tel:..................................................
Fax:.................................................
Age/sex:...........................................
Occupation:.......................................
Your prompt attention and urgent reply to this message will help me to serve you cordially.For immediate attention call on this number 00229-93149159 or send me email.

Am waiting for your urgent reply and call please.
May God Be With You.
Leonardo Hounsou
00229-93149159

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam