|
|
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)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: MMIYASITA WAIKOMA <hope_is_a_great_thing@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: MMIYASITA WAIKOMA <mmiyasitawaikoma@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:36:33 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Good News
Dear friend,
This is Natalie from Abidjan Ivory Coast, the little girl many years ago you assisted in a fund transfer.
I am very happy to inform you about my success in getting the fund is transferred is under the co-operation of a new partner from Mumbai India. Presently I am in India for investment projects with my own share of the funds. Meanwhile, I did not forget your past and Attempts Efforts to assist me in Transferring the funds DESPITE That it failed us some how. I prepared a certified bank check of $ 550,000.00 usd which i left with my shepherd to send to you but i am not sure if your email address is still active. As soon as i receive your response i will give you the contact of my shepherd so you can contact him for your check.
Have a nice day as i awaits for your response.
Your Friend,
Miss. Natalie Mmiyasita Waikoma.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
