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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:
- "atm payment department" (this phrase is often used in the ATM card payment scam)
- "activation fee" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "million united states dollars" (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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- davidrooney37@yahoo.fr (Yahoo, France; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Barrister David Rooney <barr_davidrooney01@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 05:47:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: ATTENTION: VALUED BENEFICIARY
ATTENTION: VALUED BENEFICIARY
This is to acknowledge the receipt of the order from the senate house, in respect with the provision act of decree 114 of the 1999 constitution; I am directed to inform you that your payment verification and confirmations is correct. Therefore, we are happy to inform you that arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon as possible and in our bid to transparency.
It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number; 6280512001110685444 have been approved in your favour. Your Personal Identification Number is 1234 and you can as well change it immediately as soon as you get the Atm Card. The ATM Card Value is Seven million United States dollars ($7.000 000.00) only. You are advised that a maximum withdrawal value of $2,500.00 USD is permitted on withdrawal per Day and we are duly Inter Switch and you can make withdrawal in any location and ATM Center of your choice anywhere in the world.
You are to re-confirm your:
1.YOUR FULL NAME
2.OCCUPATION
3.RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
4.MARITAL STATUS
5.AGE AND SEX
5.DIRECT TELEPHONE NUMBER
We have concluded all the arrangement and you will only be required to pay the Activation Fee of your Atm Card to enable the Ups DELIVERY SERVICES be in transit to your Country and Upon receipt of payment delivery officer will ensure that your package is sent within 24 working hours. Because we are so sure of everything we are giving you a 100% guarantee.
The payment information will be giving to you in your next e-mail to make the payment.
THANKS,
Atm Payment Department
Barrister David Rooney
Senate Committee on Payment.
davidrooney37@yahoo.fr
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Anti-fraud resources:
