419 scam: "Ortega-Morales, Somarie" <Ortega-MoralesS@MedImmune.com> CONFIDENTIAL

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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.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million 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)
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.
- renardpongrac1@hotmail.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Ortega-Morales, Somarie" <Ortega-MoralesS@MedImmune.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2011 05:48:23 -0400
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL

I understand that the Internet is not the best way to link up with you
because of the confidentiality which my proposal demands. However, I am Mr
Renard Pongrac an American working here in the Ukraine. as head (I.T)
Unit, STATE SAVINGS BANK OF UKRAINE (OSHCHADBANK) 12 HOSPYTALNA ST.,KYIV
252028, UKRAINE.

Your sincere partnership is required to enable me transfer some funds(9.8
Million Dollars) to your account for both of us.I am open for negotiation in
terms of your percentage so far you put in your utmost attention and
sincerity due to the nature of this transaction.I assure all documents to
back you up will be provided by me.Please respond to me via my personal
email:(RenardPongrac1@hotmail.co.uk)

Best Regards,
Renard Pongrac

To the extent this electronic communication or any of its attachments contain information that is not in the public domain, such information is considered by MedImmune to be confidential and proprietary. This communication is expected to be read and/or used only by the individual(s) for whom it is intended. If you have received this electronic communication in error, please reply to the sender advising of the error in transmission and delete the original message and any accompanying documents from your system immediately, without copying, reviewing or otherwise using them for any purpose. Thank you for your cooperation.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam