|
|
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:
- 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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: philip brown <brownphilip@outlook.com>
Reply-To: brownphilips@outlook.com
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2014 07:06:32 +0000
Subject: From Mr. Philips Brown
From Mr. Philips Brown
Esso UK Limited,
registered in England under company number 1589650,
ExxonMobil House
Ermyn Way Leatherhead
Surrey, KT22 8UX .
Dear Partner
It is a fact that we have not met before neither have we had any
previous business dealings, but I strongly believe that with
understanding and trust we can have a successful business
relationship. I am a principal staff with Oil & Gas Company{BG GROUP}
in United Kingdom. I have access to very vital information that can be
used to transfer funds out of the project account to a secured account
outside United Kingdom .I have the required machinery to get it done
since I am still in active service. If it was possible for me to do
it alone I would not have bothered soliciting for foreign support,
ultimately I need an honest foreigner to play an important role in the
completion of this business deal. I look forward to meeting you in
person and doing good business with you and please treat as
confidential .
I wait your letter of intent to partner with me
Sincerely
Philip brown
|
Anti-fraud resources:
