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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:
- "i will give you 35% " (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Louis Migan <louismigan8@yahoo.fr>
Reply-To: Louis Migan <louismigan@yahoo.co.nz>
Date: Fri, 5 Jul 2013 19:44:23 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Very Important
Attention:-Sir/Madam,
Do accept my sincere apology if my mail does not meet your personal ethics.
Please I want you to kindly receive for me the sum of 5 Million euros in your bank account for investment purpose.
I am interested in investing this money in your business or any one of your choice for a period of six years under your management and supervision.
This money will be wired into your account when once you inform me you will be my partner and all documents will be changed into your name immediately as the beneficiary of these funds.
I apologize if this mail does not suit your personal or business ethics. The funds are available as genuine and will be released after you have shown proven interest in your response to this proposal.
Also let me know your Country's tax laws in relation to direct foreign investment.
I will give you 35% from the total money of 5 Million and additional 10% profit from the dividend on any investment the money is placed upon.
After hearing from you, I will furnish you with more details on the next step forward.
Thanks and best regards,
Mr. Louis Migan
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Anti-fraud resources:
