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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:
- "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. )
- "transfer of your funds" (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)
- 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: "Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iwealar" <ngozioknjoiwealla@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 2 Dec 2012 22:26:42 -0800
Subject: CALL ME IMMEDIATELY YOU RECEIVE THIS E-MAIL ON MY DIRECT LINE; NUMBER +2347086540202
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This is to let you know that we have programmed your account in our Telex
room for immediate bank to bank wire transfer of your funds into your
account we are waiting you to send the $28today and forward your ID so that
we can commence your wire transfer into your bank account within 40 minutes
we confirm receipt of the $28 fees today, we need your ID to avoid paying
to wrong person as we cannot afford losing any money ok.
Therefore, go as soon as you read this mail and send the $28 to the given
name Gerald Manson, and forward the MTCN immediately so that your funds
will be credit into your account today.
I am waiting your prompt mail with the MTCN today.
BELOW IS THE INFORMATION TO SEND THE MONEY. $28 only
below for immediate release of your Consignment,
RECEIVERS NAME: NWANKWO OKWUDILI
Country/City:=======Lagos-Nigeria
Test Question:======= WHO?
Answer: ===========GOD
Amount:===========$28.00 USD
**This is to inform you that I have been waiting to receive the money from
you but never still hear anything from you why? Bear it in mind that if you
fail to send the money first thing morning, your name will be cancel and we
will use your fund to paid another beneficiary who is ready to receive his
fund!! Quickly make the payment first thing morning if you real want to
receive your fund!!** you and we will credit your account with your funds
immediately today as soon as we confirm receipt of the $28 today
Regards
WITH REGARDS
MR PAUL JOHNSON
CALL THIS OFFICE IMMEDIATELY WITH THIS NUMBER +234 8025745508*
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