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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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million 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 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.
- uusmanhassen@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: Usman Hassen <usmhassen3@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:29:24 +0100
Subject: From Usman Hassen
>From Usman Hassen
Dear Sir,
My name is Usman Hassen 19"yrs old from LYBIA.
My fathers was assassinated by the rebels leader following the political
uprising in Cote D' Ivoire.Before his death he had an outlet foreign
account in a bank here in Côte d´Ivoire up to the tune of $9,000.000.00.
Million dollars for importation of cocoa processing machine.
I am seeking for a foreign partner assistance who will help me to invest
this money in a good profitable business vanture overseas.
Please if you are willing to assist me ,indicate your interest in replying
this letter.
God bless.
Usman Hassen.
Email:uusmanhassen@yahoo.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
