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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "million 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: "Harry Mitch" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <partnersbase@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:45:56 +0100
Subject: REPROFILING OF FUNDS
Dear Sir/Madam
I have a profiling amount of 56 Million United States Dollars secured in an offshore private bank. I am seeking your assistance in securing these funds into a safe account for future investment purposes but requiring maximum confidentiality. This is bourne out of the fact that I am still in active service in the Ministry here in Scotland-UK.Upon your positive response to my proposal, I will provide you with the following information:
* How I will introduce you/your company to the holding bank and make you the beneficiary of the money.
* Who I am and why I have decided to sought for your assistance.
*What percentage of the money I am willing to give you for your assistance.
Kindly respond with your private phone and fax numbers for easier and faster communication.
Harry Mitch
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Anti-fraud resources:
