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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:
- "bank charges " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "into your nominated bank account" (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)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: nelson z <nelsonz59@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 05:41:59 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: RE
Attn: Sir/Madam,
                                                                                                    Â
This is to notify you that the Notary have open an investors Magellan portfolio profile(IMPP) confirming you as the funds beneficiary.This enable me apply officially for the termination of the funds in your favor and the terminated funds will be transferred into your nominated bank account,Immediately the Notary sign the papers on your behalf,If you want him to represent you,Since approval has been issued by the originating bank.
All procedure for a successful execution of your fund has been perfected as the Originating bank has put in place corrective
measures that guaranteed the successful execution.There is no risk involved in this transaction.Your integrity,good name and reputation is protected.There will be no negative implications against you since all proper procedure has been put in place.
NOTE:You are not expected to pay any bank charges as former processes has been abused and the bank charge NO-FEES to release your fund.
Reply now to enable me finalize the arrangement.
Best Regards,
Nelson
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Anti-fraud resources:
