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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:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "liberia" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: St <angela101237@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2011 09:22:06 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dearest one
Dearest one,
I know that this letter might come as a surprise to you but do consider it as an emergency. I am Miss Angela from Liberia.I presently reside here in Dakar Senegal due to the political unrest in our country.
I will be grateful if you will accept to lead me to the right channel of investing this fund after the achievement by any means of your assistance to transfer this fund to you as my partner because presently i live here in Dakar Senegal under the united nation organisation (refugee camp) because of the fund which is Nine Million Two Hundred Thousand united states dollars($9.2 million) including 100 KG Gold.
This fund and 100 Kilos of gold was deposited by my late father under a security firm for me here, i need your assistance in achieving this fund and gold under your care as my partner because of my present status.
Please i earnestly anticipate your kind assistance and i do hope to hear from you soonest for further clarifications.
Sincerely Yours,
Miss. Angela.
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Anti-fraud resources:
