419 scammers use Libyan unrest to con vitcims

Security experts at Symantec.cloud's MessageLabs Intelligence research team are warning of yet another 419 scam designed to exploit current events in an attempt to con the victim into giving away their money.

This time the email-based scam uses the unfolding events in Libya as its lure, according to senior software engineer Nick Johnston.

"It seems that as countries around the world scramble to evacuate their citizens from the deteriorating situation in the country, 419 scammers are also rushing to send out messages to capitalise on the unrest and publicity," he wrote in a blog post.

The email claims to be written by someone connected to Libya's Senussi crown, which was originally overthrown in the '60s by current dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi.

In time honoured tradition the scammer claims to need help transferring money out of his country and will pay for help.

"The scammer alludes to his involvement in the oil business, possibly thinking that this will entice people to reply to get a share of the wealth," said Johnston.

"Of course, the scammer will demand ever-inventive upfront fees and charges, and never send any money."

Symantec revealed that the email had actually been sent from an IP address in Ghana.

The scam follows hot on the heels of a similar attempt at a 419 con using the unrest in Egypt as the bait.