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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:
- "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)
- ",500,000" (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)
- "offshore account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mensah <mathewmensah333@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2011 08:42:26 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From:Mr. Mathew Mensah
Regional Manager
International Commercial Bank Ltd.
Kumasi Branch , Ghana
Attention:
Transfer of US$7,500,000 (Seven million, five hundred thousand U.S Dollars Only) I have studied your profile and I have found you worthy of this transaction. I have the opportunity of actualizing the left over funds (US$7.5 Million) realized from an excess profit made by my bank in the year 2009 fiscal period and I would like to seek your approval and sincere help to secure the fund in your local or offshore account.
I will handle the internal processes to make sure that there will be no hitch. But it will be your responsibility to hold on to the fund in your account and ensure that I am not disappointed or betrayed. i will offer to you 35% of the total fund for your maximum assistance and also in the view that we are playing equal role in this transaction. Please note; there is no risk associated with the transaction. Indicate your interest so i can detail you more on other necessities.
Yours Faithfully
Mr.Mathew Mensah
Regional Manager ICB
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Anti-fraud resources:
