|
|
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:
- "mtcn" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned 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: Western Union Money Transfer <officeservice6@gmail.com>
Reply-To: unionwestern616@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 07:15:46 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: ATTENETION: BENEFICIARY,
ATTENETION: BENEFICIARY,
Honestly I am just disappointed at your behavior because you know that i am a man of God and cannot deceive you. just pay the $48 and leave me and my God because God is watching me if i am telling you lies.
I know it is because of your past experience that make you not to believe me but i told you before my God who is my wittiness that i cannot deceive you because my bible says what shall it profit a man to gain material things and loose your soul. i told you earlier just drop your old experience and follow my instruction a man of God and you will know what it means to follow somebody that fear God.
I swear to God almighty Father. if i fail to start sending you your daily payment of $6000.00 within 48hours after you send the $48 as i promise let God Take my life, i cannot fail you promise you. Don’t fear as soon as you sent the $48 today please leave the rest to me and see if i am lie to you or not because i cannot use my life swear because of $48
How can i swear against my life because of this FUND, but is to show you that i am telling you the truth. so please try to understand me this $48 is big amount but is too small for the amount you have to receive within 48hours okay.
Here is the information’s to use send the money so that we will complete the matter once and for all.$48 only no more payment i swear to God and your FUND and i will start sending you your total fund of $USD1.600.000.00 at the rent of $10.000.00 per day immediately i receive payment here okay. am here by giving you 100%Assurance that you will receive your fund and you can start picking it. And also send the $48 together with your full name and your country city ok
Receivers Name:... Anthony O.Chinedu
Country/... Benin-Republic
City address is Cotonou
Test Question:.. i swear
Answer:.. To God
Amount: ...$48
MTCN NUMBER....
Special Agent in Charge.
Anthony O. Chinedu
ADDRESS/5JDKIUF OPPOSITE LOME ROAD
COTONOU BENIN REP COUNTRY
|
Anti-fraud resources:
