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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:
- "million 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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- 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.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- govtpaymntofice@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: NATIONAL OFFICE <acoutsarvice@gmail.com>
Reply-To: govtpaymntofice@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 03:09:23 +0800 (CST)
Subject: Your Personal Identification Number is 8221.The ATM Card
OFFICE OF THE SENATE HOUSE
FEDERAL REPUBLIC DU BENIN
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN PAYMENT
(RESOLUTION PANEL ON CONTRACT PAYMENT)
Port-Novo REPUBLIC DU BENIN
Our Ref: FGN /SNT/STB
CONGRATULATION ! ! !
This is to officially inform you that After Our Meeting with the Ministry of Finance,Federal House Of Presidency injunction with National Assemble yesterday we have agreed to Release your payment to you through Atm Card and we have appointed a Secretary that will commence on your transfer of total amount of $7,500,000us dollar has been accredited in your favor.Your Personal Identification Number is 8221.The ATM Card Value is $7,500.000USD. You are advised to contact the Secretary for the delivery and other process of your ATM CARD as soon as possible.Please send your information's and also your (Atm Card) Identification Number to enable him Identification your own Atm card.
Mr.Johnbosco Eze
Tel. +229-9893-2028
Email: govtpaymntofice@hotmail.com
With the following information'sFULL NAME:
DELIVERY ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:
OCCUPATION:
SEX:
AGE:
Your Next Of Kin:
A Scan Copy of your Identity:
please you are also advise to choose one of these below Courier Company for the delivery and you have to take care of the delivery charges for urgent delivery of your Atm CARD because your total funds of $7.5Million Dollars has been credited on your ATM CARD, And also been insured to avoid risk or Loose or any bad act on the transfer.
Mode of delivery of which you must choose one that will be more convenient to you location
FedEx COURIER EXPRESS ( insurance And Delivery fee:$595)( 2 days delivery )
DHL COURIER COMPANY ( insurance And Delivery fee: $553)(3 day delivery )
UPS COURIER SERVICE ( insurance And Delivery fee:$524 )( 4 days delivery )
I will require you to get back to this office with your decision over a Chosen mode of payment and we will take it from there,
Your urgent response will be highly appreciated
Congratulations
Mrs Fartimah Ahmed
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Anti-fraud resources:
