419 scam: "Major General Federico Bona" <user@mp.ms.gov.br> From Major General Federico Bonato

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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:
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "is highly confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "major.general.federico.bonato@gmx.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: "Major General Federico Bona" <user@mp.ms.gov.br>
Reply-To: major.general.federico.bonato@gmx.com
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2012 05:48:29 -0400 (AMT)
Subject: From Major General Federico Bonato

Hello My Dear,

Greetings From General Federica Bonato.

First, I want to solicit for your absolute confidence and assurance that this
transmission is of mutual benefit and do not mean any harm as it is strictly risk free.

I am General Federico Bonato of the Afghanistan Military. I am sorry I have to put this
story short because of time, I and my colleague General of the oil wells chief and
security of Afghanistan crude oil, have watched the incumbent president stash away over
US$140billion through relatives and few friends abroad during this ongoing political
crisis in Libya, please watch press tv.ir or other media telecast covering the invents
and present happening in Libya and Afghanistan.

I lost the whole of my family to the Rebels, I am contacting you to do a wish for me
after having gone through your profile and being assured that you will utilize the funds
for the mutual benefit of our families.

I came in to one of the west African country (Ghana) been peaceful country through the
diplomatic channel with a consignment worth of US$7.5Million which I want you to take
hold of in your country as I am badly. i also have a son in Ghana Refugee camp due to my
position i lift him over there with your help i believe he will have you as mother.

Contact me immediate by this email (major.general.federico.bonato@gmx.com)so that I can
introduce you to my attorney who knows where I deposited the consignment funds in
security company, the attorney will guide you through all the legal process to have the
security company deliver the funds to you in your country.

Be rest assured that this communication is totally free from all risks, above all I want
you to keep this highly confidential, if you feel you can't do it please delete this
letter for good.

Allah Bless You.
Gen.Federico Bonato.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam