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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:
- "trunk box" (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 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)
- "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: nenita <villaran1960@mail.ru>
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:50:22 -0300
Subject: Donation
Donation
MY Name is madam villaran nenita from philippine.My husband was in the
cabinet of formal President, Joseph Estrada before he was poision and
died.
I inherited a total sum of 12.3 million dollars from mylate husband,
this money which is concealed in a metallic trunk box is deposited with a
security andfinance company in abroad.due to my illniss i have decided to
donate this money to you and your community.
i will give you more details when i hear from you
madam nenita
N.B.
1 I will like this transaction to be very confidential.
2 you have to send me your direct phone and fax number
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Anti-fraud resources:
