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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "million us 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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- 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.
- 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.
- dhl_coricompany1@mail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Linda Henry" <insp_file2@hotmail.fr>
Reply-To: dhl_coricompany1@mail.com
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:52:19 -0800 (PST)
Subject: (ATM-PPCK22)
Attn Beneficairy
It is Our pleasure to inform you that your ATM CARD is ready and the ATM Card Number ; 9871 3901 2365 3232 have been approved in your favour. Your Personal Identification Number is ATM-PPCK22. The ATM Card Value is $12.7 Million US Dollars only. Your maximum withdrawal value per day is $5,000 USD is permitted on withdrawal per Day and we are duly Inter Switch and you can make withdrawal in any location of ATM Paying Machine Center of your choice located around you in your Country.
We have made a Smooth arrangement with the DHL COURIER SERVICE Branch here for a safe delivery of your ATM Card to your doorstep within 2 working days once you pay their delivery fee of $105Dollar .We advise that you do the needful thing to make sure that DHL COURIER SERVICE dispatches your ATM Card to you. You are assured of the safety of your ATM card and availability as well you shall withdraw $5,000 US Dollar daily from any ATM Paying Machine around you with the use of your pin code which will be sent to you on receipt of your ATM Card. You are advise to forward your personal Information to DHL DISPACTURE OFFICER for the delivery of your Atm Card Within 2 working days.Your Full Name:Your City:Your Country:Your Address:Your Current Tele-Phone Number:
Contact Dhl Dispacture Office.
Rev. Ray Pope
Email: dhl_coricompany1@mail.com
Tele-Phone: +22999355694
The dispatch officer will provide you with instructions on how you are to make payment of the $105 only for the shipping of your ATM Card.
Yours sincerely,
Cc: Secretary Mrs. Linda Henry
Cc: International Monetary Funds/World Bank Audits
Cc: Board of Directors
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Anti-fraud resources:
