|
|
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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "million us 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)
- "we will advice you " (this email uses bad English)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "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.
- drchristony@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "DR. HOME RAJI" <antoknirwana@yahoo.co.id>
Reply-To: drchristony@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2012 08:15:13 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: CONTACT NOW FOR YOUR DELIVER WORTH 3.5MILLION USD
WORLDWIDE, FORWARDERS, SECURITY PACKERS,
MOVERS&STORERS EXCLUSIVE FOR DIPLOMATIC CARGOS ON SEA/AIR SHIPMENT.
REF: AGSCC/ABA/FGN/001/009
ATTENTION MY DEAR :
This is to inform you that your consignment worth $3.5 Million US dollars cash was deposited in this office for two days ago and we have made all the arrangemant ,now your package have Been shiped today and it will get to your country tomorrow afternoon now i want you to recomfirm your current information again to the diplomat Mr.Chris Tony again to avoid wrong delivery you will send him
your passport photo or I.D card .............
your full name...........
YOUR ADDRESS..................
your nearest airport in your area ...............
your direct phone number:........................
Below is the diplomat information:
Name: Diplomat Mr.Chris Tony.
Email: (drchristony@gmail.com)
Telphone: +22967590892
TRACKING INFORMATION
www.iazcor.com/trackcargo.htm TRACKING NUMBER : 8088344667
Note that he did not have much time to spend in your country and we will advice you to comply with him immediately to aviod any delaying on this delivery so that he will come back as we arrange for it.
Once again try to contact him now to avoid wrong delivery on your package and note that he will be in your country tomorrow afternoon.
Thank you for using IAZ Courier Company; we are here to give you the best of service.
Yours Faithfully,
DR. HOME RAJI
IAZ SHIPPING CO.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
