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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "jamelhughes927@outlook.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Jamel Hughes" <unkann@quartz.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: "Mr. Jamel Hughes" <jamelhughes927@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 2013 23:37:20 +0900 (JST)
Subject: OPPORTUNITY!
Dear friend,
I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to starting a relationship.
My name is Mr. Jamel Hughes, and I am a Financial Consultant/ Auditor. I will be happy if we can do business together in good faith and this proposal will be of mutual benefit to us. I have a business proposal of substantial value to be transferred to your account with your assistance. I have every possibility and advantages for the proceeds be paid to you and then both of us can share the money.
I have discussed this issue privately with the top Bank Directors and they agreed, and have instructed me to look for a trustworthy foreigner, capable of handling this transaction so that we can transfer this money to his account. I guarantee that this will be executed under a special arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.
I will not fail to bring to your notice that this transaction is hitch-free and you should not entertain any fears as the required arrangements have been made for the completion of this transfer.
This money was secretly deposited and placed for an investment before the late holder died and no relatives knows about this money, and it was discovered during an audit. If you can be trusted and able to handle this business with me in full confidence and trust, please reach me via my personal email for further details.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Best Regards
Mr. Jamel Hughes
jamelhughes927@outlook.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
