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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.
- 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: "Mr. Victor Adam \(Hon.\)" <hscbkon@sify.com>
Reply-To: williamsbenlord@live.com
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2010 17:10:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Dear: Sir/Madam.Your USD10.5Million.
Dear: Sir/Madam.Your USD10.5Million.
I am Mr Victor Adam (Hon.), Chief Executive Officer, President and Member of Operating Committee, set up to fight against scam and Fraudulent activities worldwide.This Group is responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay.
You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, our new president ( PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN ) has mandated REV. AUGUST MICHAEL to release your fund immediately. The sum of US USD10.5Million has been approved in your favor via my desk. This payment will be effected to you through ATM-CARD immediately upon confirmation of your responds.
You are advised to contact REV. AUGUST MICHAEL with his email ( revaugustmike@live.com ) OR CALL HIM +234-706950-8488 and Include the following information. Your Full Name? Your Address? Your Private Cell Phone Number? Your Age/ Marital Status? a Copy of your International Passport or Valuable Drivers License? for recognition to avoid wrong delivery of your ATM to another person, Note that the above fund has been cleared from terrorist or fraud related Activities.
Your Prompt Co-operation is highly imperative.
Thanks.
Yours Truly.
Mr Victor Adam (Hon.)
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Anti-fraud resources:
