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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Ibrahime Sankl Zogo" <ibra.sa_zogo@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 7 Oct 2014 14:30:07 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Dear Friend.
Dear Friend.
I am Mr.Ibrahime Sankal Zogo. A Staff of (BOA Bank) of Africa in Burkina Faso. I would like you to indicate your interest to receive the transfer of ($18.6 Million Dollars) out of the  Bank to your bank account in your country; I want you to stand as next of kin to the deceased customer, once you are interested kindly send me the following details information below.
1.) Â Full Name..........
(2) Â Your age........................
(3) Â Sex........................
(4) Â Your occupation.....
(5) Â Your marital status.....
(6) Â Your country Name......
(7) Â Your full residential address.......
(8) Â Your private phone and fax number and your complete name.......
(9) Â A copy of your int'l passport or ID card............
As soon as I receive these data's, I will forward to you the application form which you will send to the bank.
Mr.Ibrahime Sankal Zogo.Â
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Anti-fraud resources:
