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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:
- "reward you with 30%" (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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- 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.
- +447011121470 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mark Turner QC." <markturner001@rediffmail.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: mark.turnerprivate@hotmail.com
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:13:59 -0300
Subject: INVESTMENT PROJECT IN REAL ESTATES
Good Day,
I want to know if you will like to help my client invest in your country and get rewarded financially without leaving or affecting your present job.
I represent Mr. Alex Walker Formal Director Rolls-Royce Group plc Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AT, hereafter shall be referred to as my registered client.
He is looking for a foreign individual or a corporate body that can profitably investment on real estate’s outside United Kingdom-UK. Most importantly, you will be required to invest these funds on real estate’s preferably in your country of residence outside of United Kingdom-UK. Mr. Alex Walker is willing to reward you with 30% for your partnership role.
If you prefer to be re-contacted for more express information, Write back promptly to me With your contacts details such as Your full name and Telephone number.
Sincerely,
Barrister. Mark Turner QC.
Private Telephone number + 44 701 112 1470
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Anti-fraud resources:
