|
|
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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found 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: "Dr EL Bassett Ahmed" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ahmedelbassett@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:45:06 +0800
Subject: GOOD BUSINNESS VENTURE
Dear Friend,
Complement of the day to you and your love once
I am sorry for this interruption. I have no other way to reach you then now that I found the easy way to get in contact with you.
I hope my email will arrive to you at good time. My name is Dr EL Bassett Ahmed from Tripoli Libya. I am now 64years old but retired I was former personal investor & financial consultant advisers to a Top Politician in Libya, also an oil Tycoon from Libya and from Saudi Arabia
Why i contacted you is I want if we can have a personal conversation not like families not like what i search on Google I will believe what ever truth you may brief me is highly recommended. Tell me more about your country how good it will be to invest in your country Cities
Such as buying of properties houses, Building real estate and some tourist places.
I will appreciate whatever result you may brief me. Do let me know your idea and knowledge regarding this or any other profitable investment venture you may suggest. On my next email I will explain to you the full details of the project proposal and interest.
I shall tell you more about me on my next email; upon your reply you may as well tell me little more about yourself.
Waiting for your reply TO MY PRIVATE EMAIL AT.
Thanks and best regards,
MBA.
Dr EL Bassett Ahmed.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
