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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:
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: DR PAUL OWEN <dr.paulwn@gmail.com>
Reply-To: drpaul27@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2014 01:47:52 +0200
Subject: Dear Trusting Friend
From Dr Paul Owen
African Development Bank Republic Du Benin
Cotonou Benin Republic.
Dear Good Friend,
How are you doing? hope fine.
I have interest of investing in your country as well as seek your
services in a
private and confidential matter. I am Auditor General in African Development
Bank Republic Du Benin On my routine inspection I discovered a dormant
domiciliary account with the deposit of ($9.6Million USD) by late Mr Khalead
without any heir. I write to seek your indulgence and assistance in
moving this
funds to your country through legal means.
NOTE: My plan is to invest my own share of the money in your country.
1. What other lucrative investments would you suggest as I intend to invest on
REAL ESTATE AND HOTELS if they are good business venture in your Country?
2. Can you be able to make residential documents and purchase a house
for me and
my family to relocate and settle in your country after my retirement
in 3months
time.
Let me know if you can handle it so that we can discuss your own %.
I wait for your urgent response. Please provide your mobile number for
easy communication.
Regards,
Dr Paul Owen.
Auditor General
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Anti-fraud resources:
