419 scam: SMIRNOV <contactus@backupsafe.net.au> HELLO

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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.
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.

Fraud email example:

From: SMIRNOV <contactus@backupsafe.net.au>
Reply-To: SMIRNOV <smirnov.evg@zohomail.com>
Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:38:21 +0800 (WST)
Subject: HELLO

I am Mr. SMIRNOV EVGENII a Russian businessman, I had the opportunity to travel around the world, helping my government to procure some solid minerals not until the war with the Ukraine government. During my travels times, I made some money from my business which are in banks in different countries. Total amount is $50 million in different locations, Due to embargo placed on some dignitaries including myself, I am restricted from travelling outside Russia and other countries, also they freezing funds belonging to Russians.
For this reason, I request you to kindly help and receive the funds in your bank account for both of us to share at 50% for me and 40% for you while 10% will be set out side to settle any expenses you are going to make during the process of this transaction.
I look forward to have your honest and sincere response.
Respectfully,Mr. Smirnov

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam