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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- +447031945856 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: Mr Williams Smith <williamssmith376@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 08:18:51 -0700
Subject: Urgent Attention
Dear Friend.
I am Mr Williams Smith Director Operation of a bank here in the United
Kingdom UK.
I need a truth worthy person who will assist me to receive the sum of $67m
on 70/30 deal,this money belong to our let client who die on plan crash.
I will use my position and connection to ship the $67m on a bank safe boxes
deliver to you in your country.reply so that we will proceed but you should
keep every thing regards to this business very secret for security
reason.don\'t disclose it to any body.
Mr Williams Smith.
Director Operation
+44 7031945856
United Kingdom.
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Anti-fraud resources:
