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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:
- "please indicate your willingness" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Mr Omar Hassan <mromar_h200@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:48:53 +0000
Subject: Your Response
FROM: MR OMAR HASSAN.
AUDITING / ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR
BANK OF AFRICA(BOA)
BURKINA-FASO WEST AFRICA.
Attn: Sir/Madam,
This message might meet you in utmost surprise. However, it is just my
urgent need for foreign partner that made me to contact you for this
transaction. I got your contact from yahoo tourist search while I was
searching for a foreign partner.
I want you to assured me of your capability and reliability to champion this business opportunity .
I am a banker by profession in BURKINA-FASO, WEST AFRICA and currently
holding the post of manager in account and auditing department in our
bank. I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($10.5
Million Dollars) belong to our deceased customer who died along with his
entire family in a plane crash.
Hence; I am inviting you for a business deal where this money can be
shared between us if you agree to my business
proposal. Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you as soon
as I receive your return mail immediately as soon as you receive this letter.
Please indicate your willingness by sending the below information for
more clarification and easy communication.
(1) YOUR FULL NAME AND YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS.......................................
(2) YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER.......................................
Trusting to hear from you immediately.
Thanks & Best Regards,
MR OMAR HASSAN.
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Anti-fraud resources:
