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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "hundred thousand 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 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.
- chabimollary@laposte.net (Laposte; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Chabi Mollary <chabimollary1@laposte.net>
Date: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 09:29:40 +0100
Subject: TREAT URGENT AND CALL ME +229 6871 4932
Attn:My Dear ,
MR.CHABI MOLLARY is my name and I am a Director to a Bank in Republic of Benin. I have the sum of {$18.3M} Eighteen Million, three hundred thousand United States Dollars I will like you to assist me receive in your country as the beneficiary.
All the necessary arrangements has been put in place,all I need from you is your acceptance to receive this fund for me in your country.The transaction is about seeking your consent to present you as the next of kin / beneficiary of Eighteen Million Three Hundred Thousand ($18.300.000.00) dollars belonging to a deceased customer.
If you are willing to assist,kindly get back to me so that I will inform you the steps to follow. Feel free for you have nothing to fear or worry about this transaction. Send your reply to this E-Mail Address (chabimollary@laposte.net)
That will be all for now as I wait to hear from you.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Mr.Chabi Mollary.
Phone: +229 6871 4932.
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Anti-fraud resources:
