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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:
- "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "provide me with your direct number" (a common phrase found 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Johnson Douglas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnsondouglas750@jmail.co.za>
Date: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:03:12 +0200
Subject: CAPITAL INVESTMENT (2009)
>From : Mr Johnson Douglas
Tel : +27732868622
Sir/Madam
Please provide me with your direct number because my family will want to discuss a business proposal with you. My family has a large tune of money deposited by my late father with the bank here in South Africa. My family will also want to discuss our relocation plans as soon as the money has been transferred in your nominated overseas account and also bear in mind that you will help us get resident papers in your country.
My name is Mr Johnson Douglas and we are residing in South Africa as asylum seekers and We have agreed to compensate you for your assistance. You can contact me in this direct number +27732868622 Waiting for your urgent response
Thanks and God bless
Mr Johnson Douglas
(For the family)
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Anti-fraud resources:
