|
|
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:
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: Williams Tudor <mb92729@gmail.com>
Reply-To: atuanyainocent@cnegal.com
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:14:06 +0800 (CST)
Subject: Contact Mr. Atuanya Now For Your $1.8Million
Hello my dear,
Hope
you never forget me after all the process we went through in the past. I
am very happy to inform you about my success in getting the transaction
done with my new financier Australia. I' m presently now in Australia
with my family and the new partner who help me out with his bank
account, but I did not forget your effort and commitment that’s why I
dropped an International Certified Bank Draft/Cheque worth of
$1,800,000,00 USD.
Â
I kept it in care of my office secretary in
Benin Republic because I’m currently in Australia with my family trying
to establish some business here and possibly buy some properties. So
contact my secretary Mr. Innocent Atuanya on his below contact
information
His name is Mr. Innocent Atuanya
Email: atuanyainocent@cnegal.com
Cell phone: +229 68 35 02 47
Â
Also send him your following information for confirmation and release the Certified Draft/Cheque to you
1) Your Full Name/Address:____________
2)Country/City/Postal Code:____________
3) Your Telephone/Mobile Number:_____________
4) Your Marital Status/ Age/ Sex:______________
5) Your Occupation/Position In The Company:______________
6) A Copy Your Passport/ Drivers Licenses:____________
I
instructed him to release the Certified Bank Draft/Cheque as soon as
you contact him and also keep me posted to know when you receive it from
him. Am happy and thank GOD for his great miracle to my life and I want
you to celebrate with me. Thanks and God bless
Truly Yours,
Â
Dr. Tudor Williams (Ltd)
Â
Â
 Â
|
Anti-fraud resources:
