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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- 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.
- drdavidmark90102@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "DR DAVID MARK" <drdavidmark90020@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:55:25 +0100 (CET)
Subject: ATTN:BENECIFIARY (CBN/IRD/CGX/NNPC/021/2010)
FROM THE DESK OF DR DAVID MARK
SENATE PRESIDENT
FOREIGN DEBT FUND
SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE
CBN LAGOS
ATTN:BENECIFIARY ,
How are you today? I am Dr David Mark the Senate President of Nigeria, I am delighted to inform you that this panel which just concluded it's seating today in Abuja just released your name among beneficiaries that has not received their payment and this time it will be paid to you via Diplomatic Courier serves.
Did you authorize one Mr. David Williams? Who presented document of claim purported to have signed by you for the release of your part-payment of US$18.5 million only? Please reconfirm back to me to avoid any irregularities as your payment is now ready to be transferred (based on urgent instructions received this morning from the presidency office.).
Based on that you have been advised not to respond to any mail or fax concerning your fund from anybody who claim to be your agent as your Transfer will be ready at the soonest time to be delivered immediately by the authority of this office. Kindly re-confirm to me the followings:
1) Your full name.
2) Phone, fax and mobile #.
3) Company name, position and address.
4) Profession, age and marital status.
5) A scan Cupy of your ID CARD
With regards to your fund you are advised to follow-up instruction only from This office the above is your payment number(CBN/IRD/CGX/NNPC/021/2010) any mail or faxes with out your payment numbers. .
I waiting to hear from you as urgency required
Best regards
Dr. David Mark
Senate President of Nigeria
Tell:+234 8028514560
E-Mail:drdavidmark90102@hotmail.com
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