419 scam: =?UTF-8?Q?=45=6E=67=72=2E=20=47=65=6F=72=67=65=20=4D=67=75=6E=69?= <engr.georgemgu@walla.co.il> =?UTF-8?Q?=4C=65=74=74=65=72=2E?=

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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:
- "may come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "contract award committee" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
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.
- +27730371003 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)
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.
- georgemguni_dme@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)

Fraud email example:

From: =?UTF-8?Q?=45=6E=67=72=2E=20=47=65=6F=72=67=65=20=4D=67=75=6E=69?= <engr.georgemgu@walla.co.il>
Date: Fri, 30 May 2014 11:22:26 +0300
Subject: =?UTF-8?Q?=4C=65=74=74=65=72=2E?=

FROM OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR,
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNIT
DEPARTMENT OF MINERALS AND ENERGY
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Email: georgemguni_dme@hotmail.com

I know that this proposal may come to you as a surprise especially
having to come from someone you have not met before, but I would like
you to co-operate with me so that this US$35M will be released and
transferred into your account.

My name is Engr.George Mguni,chairman of contract award committee of
Department of minerals and energy (DME) South Africa.Details will be
discussed on the receipt of your response,please respond through via
telephone/email contacts.

Thank you and I am looking forward to hearing from you and working
with you soon, bye for now and have a nice day.

My best regards,
Engr.George Mguni.
Tel/Fax:+27730371003.
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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam