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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 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr, Paul Evon" <barr.paulevo22@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2011 06:45:18 -0700
Subject: Attn: Reply Please...
The issue I am presenting to you is a case of my client who did not will
fortune to any next-of-kin. I am now faced with who to pass the fortune to,
It involves a time deposit of US$9.3Million (Nine Million, Three Hundred
Thousand United States Dollars Only).
The circumstances surrounding the death of the depositor with no known
nominated successor has made it difficult to locate anyone who is directly
related to the deceased. The strategy is to use my position as his Attorney
to present you as a next of Kin and beneficiary of the time deposit for
capitalization to your account and sharing amongst us. I expect your
response and shall provide further details.
Regards
Barr, Paul Evon, Esq.
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Anti-fraud resources:
