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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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "mohd.yusufid@gmx.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- 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.
- +447031823314 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mohd Idris" <info@agri.ubu.ac.th>
Reply-To: mohd.yusufid@gmx.com
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:39:51 +0700
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL!!!
Dear Friend,
My name is Mohd. Idris Yusuf from Bristol,citizen of United Kingdom although
Kuwait origin,Am pleased to write you as i truly need your guide in my
investment scheme in your country.I found your email during my investment
search so i contacted you on this vital issue which i see as being important
in your country through you.I have decided to establish a partnership contact
with you for project assistance in your country as soon as we conclude
arrangements.There are few basic things i would like you to assist me in;
(1)Company name registration.
(2)Your assistance to carry out feasibility study on lucrative areas/choice of
investment that will benefit us.
(3)How much capital will be sufficient.
(4)Security of the investment and continuity.
I shall make prompt arrangements to travel down with the estimated cost of
capital as soon as i read from you.Please indicate your full name and your
personal phone number so i can reach you.Moreso, I would appreciate if you
could call me on my mobile for further discussion. Tel: +447031823314
Thanks for your anticipated honesty.
Yours sincerely,
Mohd. Idris Yusuf
mohd.yusufid@gmx.com
Tel: +447031823314
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Anti-fraud resources:
