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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:
- "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "liberia" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Grace Joseph <jgrace.jose72@globalfastmail.com>
Date: Sat, 1 May 2010 15:56:31 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: I need your assistance.
I need your assistance.
I know my message will come to you as a surprise because we have not met each other before but nevertheless, I am praying for this message to meet you in good condition of health. I am writing with the greatest delight and personal respect, believing you will not betray the trust and confident which i want to sit on you.
My name is Grace Joseph. I'm 25years old woman. I'm origin/nationality of Liberia. My father was army officer and was Lt. Colonel in rank during his army service before he was killed including my mother by rebels during Liberia war in 2006. Attempt was made to kill me too,but i was very lucky to escape and make my way to Dakar Senegal through the help of united nation where I am now..
My late father lodged some money in Bank in London which i've tried to withdraw the fund but i was denied the access because of my refugee status,rather i was adviced to bring a partner to file for the fund as my trustee requesting on my behalf. The total fund is 3.700.000 pounds (Three million seven hundred thousand pounds) which my late husband deposited in London Bank.
I'm soliciting for your noble hand to help me transfer this fund into your account in your country,i want to invest this money in your country where there is more economic and political stability.I decided to write you with all my whole heart and i will like to give you 20% from the total sum.
I will give you more details as soon as I hear from you.
Best Regard.
Grace.
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Anti-fraud resources:
