419 scam: Michael Geoffrey <mic_geofy@yahoo.co.jp> I NEED YOUR CONSENT.

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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.

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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:
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: Michael Geoffrey <mic_geofy@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: temple_lard@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Sat, 8 Oct 2011 09:14:59 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: I NEED YOUR CONSENT.

Kindest Attention,

My name is Mr.Michael Geoffrey, a Citizen of the United States of America but presently living in Libya where I do my business as an Oil Merchant for over 32yrs, but this message is not about Libya nor the latest happenings here. Obviously you should be aware of the recent political unrest in this country and the Arab World generally, which is the reason why I decided to seek your co-operation and assistance.

I am a successful businessman here in Libya, I deal in petroleum products locally (ranging from Petrol,Gas,PKO and other products of same). Following the events unfolding here in Libya, I have already transferred my wealth worth of USD$75M. (Seventy Five Million United State Dollars) to the United States of America through diplomatic means. I cannot travel to the USA because the US embassy and all other embassies here has been closed as a result of the crisis.I want you to become my partner and assist me as a matter of urgency to secure my wealth to your possession where I can establish and continue my business peacefully without any form of violent or political instability.

Please let me specify clearly here again that I am not involved into Libya politics but I'm only being careful not to fall victim of Muammar Gaddafi's desperation struggles against the will of the Libyan people.I promise to reward you heavily in appreciation for your assistance. If this is O.K by you, I will appreciate you indicate your interest by sending your contact address and direct telephone number for proper clarification.

Best Regards.
Mr.Michael Geoffrey.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam