Scam Promising Slice of Saddam Hussein's Fortune Targets Oklahomans

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahomans may have recently received an e-mail promising them millions of dollars from a stash of cash reportedly found in Iraq. Don't fall for it. Experts say it's just a different variation of the "Nigerian scam," where victims are persuaded to advance sums of money in the hope of making a much larger gain.

In an e-mail that's hitting Oklahomans' inboxes, the scammer writes, "My name is Capt. Kelvin Crane. I'm a U.S. Army Officer serving in the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq. In 2003, I and my men found over $600 million in Saddam Hussein's hideout in Baghdad. We sent some back to the Iraq government after counting it in a classified location, but we also kept some behind for ourselves."

The e-mail promises $2 million to anyone who helps the soldier move his stolen money out of Iraq.

According to ScamBusters.org, a consumer protection website, scammers are using a BBC News story to make the ruse seem real.

In 2003, U.S. soldiers reportedly found millions of dollars stashed in a Baghdad neighborhood, and five soldiers were questioned after some of the cash went missing.

"Don't put 2 + 2 together and make 5," ScamBusters.org warns. "Just because there's a true story doesn't mean that a claim to be linked to it is true. The money may be missing, but it still isn't coming your way!"

Experts say if this e-mail ends up in your inbox, the best thing to do is delete it.

More: 8 Cunning New Nigerian Scams Aim to Convince You They're Real