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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "here in london united kingdom" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "money orders " (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. )
- "money order " (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 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.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- 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.
- jamescole1477@yahoo.co.uk
Fraud email example:
From: "James Cole" <billmail@purcell.biz>
Reply-To: jamescole1477@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 01:33:21 -0800
Subject: JOB VACANCY
JOB VACANCY
Hello,
My name is Mr. James Cole; I am an artist I Own JAMES COLE ART WORLD in
London (United Kingdom).
I do sell my art and painting to people all around the world mostly Americans.
I am always facing serious difficulties when it comes to selling my art
Works to Americans, they are always offering to pay with MONEY ORDER, which
is Difficult for me to cash here in London United Kingdom.
I am looking for a representative in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA who Will
be working for me, as a part-time worker and I will be willing to pay10%
for every transaction, which wouldn't affect your present state of Work,
Someone who would help me receive payments from my customers in the States
in form of MONEY ORDERS or TRAVELLER'S CHEQUE, because the cost of coming
to the state and getting payments is very expensive.
I am working on Setting Up a branch in the state, so for now i need a representative
in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA CANADA and any were in the work that you
can cash money order who will be handling the payment aspect for our Company.
All you need to do is to cash the payment deduct 10% and send the Remaining
90% Via Western Union Money Transferal transfer fees will be deducted from
The 90% so you are rest assured that you wouldn't spend a dime out of your
personal money.
If you are interested, N: B, Please send to me the listed information below
directly to me at (jamescole1477@yahoo.co.uk)
1. Your Name:
2. Fiscal Residential Address:
3. City:
4. State:
5. Zip Code:
6. Phone Number:
7. Country:
8. Age:
9. E-mail address:
10. Have you received or done an offer like this before:
11. If yes put details and out come of it:
The above information should be forwarded to me so we can start business.
Regards,
Mr. James Cool.
Company Reg. NO: 3019628VAT Reg. NO: 735 773 701
Phone: +44 2088197340/ +44 1213148940
Anti-fraud resources:
