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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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.
- 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.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- charleshurds@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Charles Hurds." <charleshurd@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: charleshurds@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 14:35:58 +0200
Subject: Important Information From Mr. Charles Hurd.
Greetings,
I have interest of investing in your country as well seek your
services in a private confidential matter regarding the late account
holder who died leaving some funds unclaimed in our bank without any
beneficiary. This requires a private arrangement. Could you perhaps be
able to receive these funds under legal claims then I will fill you in.
I am willing to Part with 50% of the total funds for your participation
and assistance.
I need assistance from a trustworthy and reliable person whom I will
fill in as the beneficiary/next of kin to the late account holder to
provide an account where this fund will be remitted. I have all the
details and will fill you in if you are really willing and capable to
work the deal with me. Your major role would be to open a bank account
where the funds will be transferred.
The funds in question are quite large (about 29Musd). I will expect a
straight answer from you. Yes or no. If yes, then let's work out the
modalities and i will expect to have your most confidential phone
number to call you for oral explanation before we proceed.
Closing with anticipation.
Mr.Charles Hurds.
Private E-mail: charleshurds@yahoo.com
Private Mobile: +32466014640
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Anti-fraud resources:
