419 scam: "Mrs. Larisa"<helpdesk@postmaster.org> As of today 8th June 2010.

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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.
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:
- "please endeavor to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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 "Yukos oil" scam. The criminals who send such emails have no connection to Yukos Oil. The emails are usually sent from Nigeria. The only money that ever changes hands in this scam is from you to the criminals.
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.
- projectlarisa@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Larisa" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lasakoya11@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 8 Jun 2010 12:34:52 +0100
Subject: As of today 8th June 2010.

Mrs. Larisa Sosnitskaya
Personal treasurer to former C.E.O
of Yukos Oil Company and Bank Menatep,
31A, Dubininskaya St.115054 Moscow,
Russia

FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION !!!

It is understandable that you might be a little bit apprehensive because you do not know me but I have a lucrative business proposal of mutual interest to share with you as partners. I got your reference in my search for someone who suits my proposed business relationship.

I am Mrs. Larisa Sosnitskaya, personal treasurer to Mr. Mikhail Khordokovsky Former C.E.O of Yukos Oil Company and Bank Menatep here in Russia.

I have an obscured business suggestion for you. I will need you to assist me in executing a business project from Russia to your country. It involves the transfer of a large sum of funds over US$46(forty six) million Dollars.

Already the funds have left the shore of Russia to a European Bank where the final crediting is expected to be carried out.

Everything concerning this transaction shall be legally done without hitch. Please endeavor to observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this issue.

But in summary, the funds come in via Bank Menatep to a more secured Bank in Europe. This is a legitimate transaction.

All I need from you is to stand as the new beneficiary of the above quoted Sum and I will re-profile the funds with your name,which will enable the European bank transfer the sum to you. Then once the funds have been successfully transferred into your account, you will be paid 30% for your "management fees, please take note?

As Soon as I confirm your readiness to partner and assist me on the transaction, I will provide you with the full details contain therein and my identification.

NB: I advice you read more of this ordeal from

http://www.supportmbk.com
http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2003/11/13/51215.html

Please if you are not interested delete this email and do not hunt me because I am putting my career and the life of my family at stake with this venture. Although nothing ventured is nothing gained.

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated and please make response to my private email at ( projectlarisa@hotmail.com )

Kind Regards,
Mrs. Larisa Sosnitskaya

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam