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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:
- "abuja" (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. LINDA WILLIAMS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <williamslinda421@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 19:09:38 +0300
Subject: HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE PAID?
Senior Residence Representative
9 Hon. Justice Mohammed Bello Street
Asokoro Abuja
Nigeria
Attention: Fund Receiver
I am Mrs Linda Williams, senior investigator working with the international monetary fund regional office. Information has been sent to our office in London giving us the list of beneficiaries that has been trying so hard, but are yet to receive their inherittance and lottery winnings. Our residence representative (Mr Scott Rogers) has given me your payment file to carry out an investigation in other to ascertain the possible reason why you are yet to receive your fund transfer.
You have to get back to me with your full information and direct mobile number for swift communication, and once am able to establish communication with you, I will have your transfer happen within 48 hours max. Assist us to serve you better
I will be waiting for your swift response!
Mrs Linda Williams
Senior Investigator
International Monetary Fund
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Anti-fraud resources:
