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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:
- 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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "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. )
- "million united states 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)
- "bar_seanmorris@live.co.uk" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: "Sean Morris" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <abbeysolicitors@freemail.lt>
Date: Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:21:07 +0100
Subject: Legal Aid
I wish to use this opportunity to introduce myself and our obligation to Ms. Jane .M. Cotton (Canadian Citizen).Residing in United Kingdom.
My name is Sean Morris (Esq). I am a registered member of the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) and a Legal Solicitor here in the UK. I represent one Ms. Jane Cotton upon her deposited Asset in Valencia Spain(Caixa Securities) by her late father; Mr Andre Robert Cotton.
Upon her request as the said beneficiary of $1.8million United States Dollars been deposited with a security company Overseas is to appoint a private individual who is trustworthy and willing to assist claim funds on her behalf due to her ill circumstances and willing to share her assets with you.
My aim as a family representative is ensure your trust and honesty to my client.Kindly send me a full introduction of your self and any details backing up your status and also contact details.
OUR OBLIGATION:
The IAS provides immigration advice and representation for persons in England, Wales and Scotland. Advice and representation are free to people who are entitled to Legal Aid. The IAS also provides a fee paying service for individuals not entitled to Legal Aid..
Best regards,
Sean Morris (Esq).
bar_seanmorris@live.co.uk
(44) 752-968-2651
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Anti-fraud resources:
