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joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a trustworthy foreign business partner" (the question is not whether they can trust you, but whether you have any reason to trust this person or anyone this person tells you to contact)
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "trunk box" (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)
- "million us 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)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Juliette Kouauo" <juliettekouauo66@centrum.sk>
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:35:16 +0200
Subject: From: Juliette Kouaou
From: Juliette Kouaou
Cocody,Abidjan. Ivory Coast.
Good Day,
ASSISTANCE TO INVEST IN YOUR COUNTRY.
I am Juliette kouaou the only daughter of late Dr Kouaou Daniel of blessed memory, who was the Director General of the Cocoa Export Corporation(C.E.C.) of Ivory Coast and was killed by rebel forces here in Ivory Coast few months ago.
As the only daughter of my late father before his death he informed me of the sum of US$10 Million (TEn million US dollars) deposited in a 1 trunk box in my name as next of kin as containing family valuables money so I am contacting you to seek your good ssistance to assist me release box from the Security Company and invest the money belonging to my late father which is deposited in a Security Company in Abidjan.
That I should pray and find a trustworthy foreign business partner who would help me to invest this money in profitable business venture overseas.
You shall also search for good investment, so that I will invest the money wisely. I have agreed to give you 20% of the total sum and 5% mapped out for expenses.
Immediately you receive this message for more information to enable me proceed in earnest towards concluding all arrangements with the Security Company. No other person knows about this money only you and me.
Awaiting your most urgent response.
Thanks for your co-operation and remain blessed.
Best Regards,
Miss Juliette Kouaou.
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