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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:
- "hundred thousand united state 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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "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 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.
- mr.johngibbs@yahoo.com.hk (Yahoo, Hong Kong; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "UNITED NATIONS OFFICE" <info@unitednation.com>
Reply-To: mr.johngibbs@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Sun, 20 May 2012 04:24:58 +0200 (CEST)
Subject:
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE
FOR THE COORDINATION OF
HUMANITARIAN AFFAIR.
Our Ref: FGN/SNT/RAL
Your Ref: SNT/ATM/822
Inline with the United Nations millennium development goal to
eradicate poverty and hunger by the year 2015 i am directed to
inform you that your payment verification and confirmations is
completed, Therefore we are happy to inform you that
arrangements have been concluded to effect your payment as soon
as possible in our bid for transparency.
It is my pleasure to inform you that ATM Card Number:
5428250011054432 have been approved in your favor, The ATM
Card Value is $500,000.00 USD (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED
STATE DOLLARS).
You are advised that a maximum withdrawal value of $5,000.00
USD is permitted on withdrawal per day and are duly Inter Switch so
you can make withdrawal at any location and ATM Center of your
choice.
We have concluded delivery arrangement with the ups courier
services.Please note that the UPS Courier Company is fully insured
by Nicon Insurance Corporation.
Kindly be inform that you are to provide a delivery fee of £95.00
GBP for the effective delivery of your package to you as the delivery
charges and please also be informed that the delivery will be made
to your address in 48 hours (2 days) after the confirmation of your
payment for delivery, as you know the delivery fee receipt will be
attach on your payment delivery documents to avoid being delayed
by customs.
Kindly provide the details below for delivery.
1. Valid delivery address
2. Name
3. Phone Number
4. Occupation
Treat urgently and note that your ATM Card is ready and available
for
dispatch to you.
Yours Sincerely,
Dr.John Gibbs
Under-Secretary-General:
Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator
E-mail:mr.johngibbs@yahoo.com.hk
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Anti-fraud resources:
