|
|
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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "diplomatic immunity" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- +2348033231142 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
Fraud email example:
From: okele okele <okeleokele1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 2009 17:15:03 -0700
Subject: PAYMENT NOTIFICATION
*FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
SENATE COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN DEBT SETLEMENT.
Federal Secretariat Complex, Ikoyi Lagos
TEL: 234-80 3323 11 42 ,
REF: SCFES/FGN/321/2009.
ATTN:
PAYMENT NOTIFICATION.
I am Dr Okele Okele the chairman senate committee on foreign debt
setlement,This is to inform you about our plan to send your fund to via
diplomatic/cash delivery. This system will be easier for you and for us. We
are going to send your funds to you via courier
service/cash delivery; this will be in favour of our foreign
contractor/inheritance funds individuals as regards to the new payment
policy in our government sector.
I have secured every needed document to cover the money. Note: The money is
coming on 2 security proof boxes. The boxes are sealed with synthetic nylon
seal and padded with machine. This fund was brought to us from America; It
was made for our Local AFEM market.
But since the money was not use, i will use my position in the ministry to
move this fund to you. Please you don't have to worry for any thing i will
finance the transaction. The boxes are coming with a Diplomatic agent who
will accompany the boxes to your house address in your country.
All you need to do now is to send to me your full house address and your
identity such as, international passport or drivers' license and tel/fax
numbers; The Diplomatic attaché will travel with it. He will call you
immediately he arrive in any of our payment center near your country. I hope
you understood me? Please note that all i needed from you is your full
suport and your sincere help to assist me take delivery of the money and
also maintain the level of secret required. Be warned. As soon as I hear
from you I will let you know when the boxes will be airlifted by special
Grace of God. Note: The diplomats do not know the original contents of the
boxes. What l declares to them as the contents is Sensitive Photographic
Film Material.
I did not declare money to them please. If they call you and ask you the
contents please tell them the same thing Ok. Call me on my phone 234-80 33
23 11 42 I will let you know how far i have gone with the arrangement. I
will secure the Diplomatic immunity CASH CLAIM BOND CERTIFICATE with the
diplomat tag number upon the receipt of your response to enable you
identify yourself before the diplomats when they arrive for the delivery of
consignment to you. This CERTIFICATE will make you the original owner of the
consignment all over the world
without hitch. Confirm the receipt of this message and send the requirements
to me immediately you receive this message. Please i need urgent reply
because the boxes are schedule to be airlifted waiting to hear from you.
Call meimmediately you receive this message.
Best Regards,
DR Okele Okele
the chairman senate committee
Foreign Debt Settlement.*
|
Anti-fraud resources:
