|
|
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:
- "million us 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)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- "matinaanderson@outlook.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- 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.
- kate_anderson7@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Matina Anderson" <matina@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: matinaanderson@outlook.com
Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:03:50 +0200
Subject:
I am Mrs. Matina Anderson an aging widow suffering from long time illness.
i am 75 years old from Spain. I have a confidential issue to discuss with
you about the condition of my health, and a donation that i want to make
to the
less privilege of the society in your country. I still believe that there are
still some remain of honest and God fearing person around the globe,
Please don’t relent in writing back to me, so that i will tell you
what exactly what i want you to do for me. i am not asking for your
financial support, just
need your help to carry on this work of GOD.
I am waiting to hear from you soon, It is very Important please reply me
urgently on my email.
I have the sum of 2.5 Million US Dollars for you to use
the fund for God's work.
Please if you would be able to use the funds for the Lord's work.
kindly reply to me back on my email.
please reply me urgently on my email:( kate_anderson7@hotmail.com )
Remain Blessed
Mrs. Matina Anderson
NOTE: all email must be sent to : matinaanderson@outlook.com
|
Anti-fraud resources:
