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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:
- "any lucrative business in your country" (a common phrase found 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: "Engr.Michael Idioma" <engr.midioma56@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:20:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: TRANSFER AND INVESTMENT
Hello,
I got your contact from a Business Directory, and I decided to contact
you directly for the sake of business. My Name is Engr.I Michael (Mr),
working in privilege position (Identity of work place with-held for security reasons).
I need your assistance in investing (€6million Euros) in properties and any lucrative
business in your country under your guidance as my business partner. Await on your
reply while i open business discussion with you immediately.
Thank you once again for your interest and reply,
Best Regards,
Engr.I Michael (Mr)
Seeking Investors/Business partnership.
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Anti-fraud resources:
