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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: KOFFI JOHNSON <kofjohnson@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: koffijohnson@live.com
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2011 23:12:51 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Reply
Dear Friend,
I would like to reach terms with you on investment prospects. My intention is to invest into ventures abroad by seeking willing partner hence my letter to you to seek partnership with you in realising my vision to ensure that the investment yields good returns.
I am in COTE D'IVOIRE (IVORY COAST) and wish to transfer my fund (12 Million USA Dollars) to a trustworthy person's account who will invest the money for me abroad. The money is legally owned and transferable.I am prepared to give you 20% percent of the total amount as commission for assisting me.
Please kindly reply for details as soon as possible.
i will appreciate your kind response.
Regards
Koffi Johnson
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Anti-fraud resources:
