419 scam: George Harris <georgeharris_1@myway.com> From George Harris/Appeal for Assistance.

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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:
- "hundred thousand 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)
- "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
This email message is a orphan scam.

Fraud email example:

From: George Harris <georgeharris_1@myway.com>
Reply-To: georgeharris_2@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:07:33 +0000
Subject: From George Harris/Appeal for Assistance.

Dear,

I am George Harris the only Son of late William Tim Harris My father was
former Director of finance Sierra-Leone diamond,Gold and mining
corporation, in Free Town , the economic capital of Sierra Leon, my father
was poisoned to death by his business associates on one of their outings on
a business trip .While my mother died when I was a baby and since then my
father took me so special.

Before his death in a private hospital in Free Town Sierra Leon., he told
me about a fund he concealed the sum of Seven million, five hundred
thousand United State Dollars.(US D$7.5) deposited in one of the banks in
Abidjan the economic capital of Cote d'Ivoire West Africa,that he used my
name as his only son as the next of Kin in depositing of this funds with
the bank. which he declared as family investment fund,. The deposit
document which I have in my possession carries my late father's name as the
depositor, while I'm the next of kin on the same document. Dear I am in a
sincerely desire of your humble assistance in this regards.

He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was
poisoned by his business associates.That incase he die I should move out of
the country down to Cote d' Ivoire where he made the deposit of funds to
seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where i will transfer
this funds and use it for investment purpose after my education such as
real estate management or hotel management.I am living in Cote D'Ivoire
since 3months now.

To make arrangement for me to come over to your country to further my
education and to secure a resident permit in your country while you will be
take care of investing this money.

Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.
Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can you honestly help me as your Son?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you
after the funds are transfered.

Anticipating to hear from you soon.

Thanks and Regards,
George Harris

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam