|
|
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:
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
- 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.
- donkoko.info4@accountant.com
Fraud email example:
From: "mrs.grace_m44@terra.es" <mrs.grace_m44@terra.es>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2007 05:00:54 +0200 (MEST)
Subject: Dearest Friend,
Dearest Friend,
I am very happy to inform you about my success in getting that fund now. I want you to contact my account officer, below is his contact:
Financial Bank Benin Accountant
Mr. Don Koko
Email: donkoko.info4@accountant.com
Ask him to send you the total sum of One million United State Dollars($1, 000, 000.00) in a CASHIER'S CHEQUE which I kept for your compensation.
Feel free to contact him immediately.
Regards,
Mrs. Grace Marthins
Ahora también puedes acceder a tu correo Terra desde el móvil.
Infórmate pinchando aquí.
Anti-fraud resources:
