|
|
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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "huge sum of money" (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)
- "million british pounds" (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)
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- mrden0060@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: Den Stevenson <mdensn106@msn.com>
Reply-To: <mrdenn44008@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:17:01 +0000
Subject: Letter From Mr Dennis
Letter From Mr Dennis
Hello,
I plead for your tolerance. I know this proposal will come to you as a surprise, especially when you do not know the writer, considering the huge sum of money involved which could make any apprehensive. Let me start by introducing myself to you, I am Mr. Den Stevenson, the head of accounting department of my bank, where am presently working in England.
I am seeking your consent to present you as a trustee. This business is strictly legitimate; if this proposal satisfies you, please respond to me. For more details, and do include your private Telephone number, Your Full Names, Address and Your age/Employment status.
Hoping to hear from you soonest and establish a long lasting mutual beneficial business relationship with you. And the money involved is {£15,000,000.00} Fifteen Million British Pounds.
Contact Me: mrden0060@yahoo.co.uk
Sincerely,
Mr. Dennis Stevenson.
Anti-fraud resources: