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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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (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 next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "KARIN HASS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <paymentdivision2010@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:55:30 +0200
Subject: READ ME PLEASE
Good day to you. I want to inform you that your verification details have been processed. Your funds 1.654 million Great British Pounds GBP have been approved for release by the National Delivery Regulatory Board and we will begin the process of remittance of your Fund through hand to hand delivery. Be informed that our Legal department has obtained and notarized your claim processing form from the High Court of Justice with the Certificate of compensation from the UK Control Board for your INHERITANCE FUNDS /NEXT OF KIN FUNDS/ CONTRACT EXECUTION FUND
FROM AFRICA COUNTRIES. . Your compensation fund containing worth £1. 654 million GBP has been forwarded to Armex Courier Express for onward delivery to you. Aramex Courier Express is the only courier company registered with the British National for. It is important to note that services rendered by this courier company are to be paid by you and not the Legal department.
You are advised to contact the Aramex Courier Express with details below to enquire on the delivery process and the delivery charges to be fulfilled before your package can be delivered to you. See below the contact information of the administrative officer.
Mr. Neil Bannister
International Operations Director
You are advised to contact the courier service with your Full Name, Address, Telephone Number and Identification Number: {AMX-NL092-7216}. This office is requesting an adequate update from you on the proceedings between you and the courier service. If you need any assistance whatsoever, please do not hesitate to let me know.
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Karin Hass
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Anti-fraud resources:
