419 scam: "Melvin" <info@silhouetteinternational.com> RE: Can we talk on skype brief?

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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:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: "Melvin" <info@silhouetteinternational.com>
Reply-To: office111mail@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 16:18:34 +0000
Subject: RE: Can we talk on skype brief?

Sir,

Good day to you.

I am into getting loan from my bank and invest with partners, I am searching for a partner i can invest funds with that will be honest to me and pay back with interest, I lose so much funds last month with a Kuwait Partner who i transfer $40,000,000.00 Million to and he ran with the funds after we met in Kuwait and sign the funds release to his account. I don't want to lose my funds again please.

I got your contact in my search for a reliable individual. I am looking to work with a reputable individual OR firm that can handle huge sum which would be placed into viable ventures in your country and perhaps with your aid, we could evade high taxes.

You will be required to:

1. Receive the funds in your personal/company name.

2. Place the funds into profitable venture.

3. Seek viable venture with an annual ROI between 5 to 10%

4. Handle and manage the said venture for a minimum of Six (6) years.

Absolute discreteness is required on your part in handling this cooperation between us. I will send you more on this project upon receiving your positive message to proceed.

I look forward to your quick response.

Sincerely,
Melvin Vladimir Kalinin.
Tel: +706 284 0687

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam