|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "hundred thousand u.s 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)
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: PROJECT MAIL <ml234@sify.com>
Reply-To: project2010@luckymail.com
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 09:50:55 +0200
Subject: Pinnacle Building (1st Floor)
Pinnacle Building (1st Floor)
Burg Street, City Centre
Cape Town
South Africa
7th February 2011
Good Day,
Business Proposal of Mutual Benefit
I write you this letter believing that you are a trustworthy individual
capable of handling its contents with the level of discreetness and openness
that is required. I am a member of the Bid Adjudication Committee of Cape
Town, South Africa.
In summary, a "Tender" was approved in March 2007 to a joint venture of
Murray & Roberts Company and WBHO (Pty) Ltd for the construction of the
Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. This project was deliberately over-valued
to ensure a surplus amount which is still unclaimed till date.
The unclaimed funds are valued at Twenty-eight Million, Five Hundred
Thousand U.S Dollars as out-standing payments to contractors and I want you
to come in as a sub-contractor to receive payment with my help since I
cannot because of my position. All measures have been put in place to
guarantee the legitimacy of this project and we should be through in 14days
assuming you cooperate with me.
Please note that the nature of your job or business will not hinder or
affect the outcome of deal. Reply and include the following information
listed below:
1. Full Names and Identification.
2. Residential or Official address.
3. Personal Phone number and fax
Thank you for your time.
Yours' Sincerely,
Mr. Mike Mnandi
Fax: +27 865 109 346
|
Anti-fraud resources:
