419 scam: "Mrs." <alertlive@ymail.com> Re: Hello, Good Morning

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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- ",500,000" (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)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
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.
- ojdanic.lbina@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs." <alertlive@ymail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2010 22:10:10 +0100
Subject: Re: Hello, Good Morning

Dear Sir/Madam,
Good-Day!

I am a Serbian woman and I am located in Europe. I have a business
proposition for you which involve $18,500,000 Millions of US Dollars. I need
your assistance with Banking and Investment of the said funds and I will be
willing to offer you {20%} Twenty percent once we are through with the
transfer of funds.

I will understand how you are going to be feeling over my business
proposition, please even we never knew before or meet through any means like
(phone conversation or in person) consider this message as a request from a
woman in dare need of your help, to relocate so I can live a new life. I
also find it very difficult to trust people but I have to use this means to
contact you for security reason and avoid suspicions which I will disclose
in due course of this transaction and you will know me more.

The funds are legally mine and this business is not illegal. Can I trust you
to help me handle these funds?. I have an interest to invest in your country
through you in any profitable business you may deem okay with these funds.

If you are interested and you are really sure of your, Trust worthiness,
Accountability and confidentiality on this transaction; please send me an
email: ojdanic.lbina@hotmail.com

When I hear from you, I will give you full details and also give you more
information about this transaction. Please have in mind that this is a
legitimate transaction.
Regards,
Mrs. O.L

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam