|
|
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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "atm card department" (this phrase is often used in the ATM card payment scam)
- "million united states dollars" (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 "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "email" <email@entermail.net>
Reply-To: professorcharlesbill@unitedbbankforafrica.de.vc
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2013 06:30:12 -1100
Subject: Get in intouch with the the United bank for Africa PLC ATM card department director
Dear Friend,
How are you today,I am here to inform you about my success in getting those funds transferred under the cooperation of a
new partner from Iran though I tried my best to involve you in the business but destiny decided the whole situations.
Presently I'm in Iran for investment projects with my own share of the total sum.
Meanwhile,I didn't forget your past efforts and attempts to assist me in transferring those funds despite that it failed
us some how.I have concluded to effect your compensation payment through ATM means of payment to avoid much stress in
international transfer procedure.
I want you to know that for keeping our transaction secret based on my former status,I have decided to compensate you
with $2.2 Million united states dollars for your efforts and trust and in showing concern while I was in refuge.
Now contact the director in charge of the delivery of your ATM card valued at $2.2 Million united states dollars.
contact the United bank for Africa PLC ATM card department director his name is professor Charles Bill.
His contact email is:( professorcharlesbill@unitedbbankforafrica.de.vc )
I will be leaving for the offshore oil rig for inspection on our supplied tools,Do keep me informed once you have
received your ATM card and have started making withdrawal as issued to you.
regards
Mr.Mathew Mgbakwu
|
Anti-fraud resources:
