|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- "top secret" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Mohamed Abudo <mohamed1988abudo@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:59:59 +0000
Subject: CONFIRM YOUR INTEREST HERE!
Dear Friend,
I am Mr Mohamed Abudo, Staff of Bank Of Africa in Burkina Faso. I would like you to indicate your interest to receive the transfer of ($ 9.58, Million Dollars.) I will like you to stand as the next of kin to my late client whose account is presently dormant for claims. if you are interested,indicate and i will intimate you with the method of application and how you can apply to the bank .
do keep this a top secret for security reasons.
Regards
Mr Mohamed Abudo
|
Anti-fraud resources:
