joewein.de LLC fighting spam and scams on the Internet

Try our spam filter! Free trial for 30 days

"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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.

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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
• This email message is a company representative scam. This type of job offer scam involves the cashing of fake checks and money orders. It could expose you to losses of tens of thousands of dollars as well as to the risk of criminal prosecution and (in some cases) imprisonment.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • baba_oilandgasplc@myway.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Baba oil and gas" <baba_oilcompany@msn.com>
Date: Sat, 01 Oct 2005 09:07:55 +0000
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL

BABA OIL AND GAS COMPANY PLC
11/14 TOYIN STREET, IKEJA, LAGOS, NIGERIA.
EMAIL :baba_oilandgasplc@myway.com
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
             
I represent BABA OIL AND GAS  COMPANY PLC based in Nigeria. My company markets and exports crude oil and other products for individual marketers for world trade.
 
We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of getting to our customers in Europe and America as well as making payments through you as our payment officer. It is upon this note that seek your assistance to stand as our representative in your country.
 
Note that, as our representative, you will receive 10% of whatever amount you clear for the company and the balance will be paid into an account we will avail to you. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if accepted, do send me promptly by email:                   
the following:
 
(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and
(3)Phone/fax numbers
Thank you for your time.
 
Very Respectfully,
 
Mr. Mike Egusi
MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO
BABA OIL AND GAS  COMPANY PLC

 

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam