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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:
- "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs Siti Hashim <sitihashim6@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2015 16:51:20 +0800
Subject: My Dear contact me immediately
My Dear,
How are you? l hope fine and good, l hope l found you well. l know my
mail will come to you as a surprise because you don’t know me. Am Mrs.
Siti Hashim,from Malaysia.l got your email address from country sort listen
mail list, before l decide to write. I am writing this mail to you with
heavy tears In my eyes and great sorrow in my heart because my Doctor told
me that I will die in less than two months’ time. Based on this development
I want to will my money which is deposited in a security company. I am in
search of a reliable person who will use the Money to build charity
organization for the saints and the person will take 30% of the total sum.
Thus 70% of the money will be going to charity organization and helping the
orphanage homes. I grew up as an Orphan and i don't have anybody/family
member to take care of my wealth. The total money in question is
$3.8million US dollars. I will provide you with other information's once
you indicate your willingness will be looking forward to hear from you soon.
Yours truly
Siti Hashim
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Anti-fraud resources:
