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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:
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "mtcn" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "you have to be fast" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "farida mzamber waziri" (This name is often mentioned in money recovery scams (re-scam): the real EFCC does not contact victims to offer to get their money back because that is near impossible. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs.Farida Mzamber Waziri <mrsfaridawaziri@royal.net>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:48:58 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: alternative certificate
Economic & Financial Crimes Commission
EFCC Executive Chairman, Chief Mrs. Farida Mzamber Waziri (AIG rtd)
I just received a call from the IMF this afternoon again concerning the certificate they demanded for.
I have explained to them that you have been involved in various scams which has lead you to financial problem. But they made me understand that this certificate needs to be submitted today or else they will call back your fund and you know what that means.
Right now, instead of sending such huge amount of which I know you don’t have at hand presently, kindly send down $600 today so I can apply for a substitute certificate that will serve as the clearance certificate (NON-RESIDENCE RIGHT OF OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATE) so you can receive your payment today.
You know I have done my best in this matter and this is the final fee so you have to be fast about this today.
Sender’s Name:
Receiver’s Name: James Monday
Amount: $600
Address: Lagos, Nigeria
Text Question: To
Text Answer: Monday
MTCN:
Your communication code: EFCC/NG/74-A0807777HJ/NG
is false.
Best Regards,
EFCC Executive Chairman, Chief Mrs. Farida Mzamber Waziri (AIG rtd)
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Anti-fraud resources:
