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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- 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.
- +447035909006 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs dina Paul <dainpaul46@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2010 09:02:14 -0800 (PST)
Subject: THIS IS AN URGENT ATTENTION!!!
Dear Sir/Madam ,
We write to inform you that our Bank, Barclays Bank PLC London-UK have received your payment approval documents from the International Monitary Fund ( IMF) LONDON for the release of your funds immediately.
Kindly reconfirm to us the below informations for the witre of your funds.
(A) Your Bank Details.
(B) Your Residential Address and Direct phone Number.
(C) Scanned Copy of your Int'l Passport or Driver's License.
As soon as we receive the required informations we shall release your funds to you either by Bank Wire Transfer or ATM CARD PAYMENT.
Reply upon the receipt of this email for fruther and urgent adivce in respect of your funds transfer this week.
Respond Urgent.
Mrs. Dina Paul
Barclays Bank PLC.
Tel: 44 703 590 9006
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Anti-fraud resources:
