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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:
- 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:
- "western union" (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. )
- "money gram" (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. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mark Ubadi (ATM CARD DELIVERY EXPERT)" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <diplomatmarkubadi@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2015 12:26:40 +0800
Subject: Re: REMINDER- THURSDAY 5TH OF FEBRUARY 2015.
Good Day
I'm glad to notify you about your ATM CARD worth US$10.5 Million which is in our custody for many months is ready for delivery.
We want you to understand that there have been an order from above to release all packages that are being held and as such i have requested for a Waiver Certificate from our Sub Consulate which will empower me to deliver the funds to you.
The Waiver Certificate is $43 Only and as the beneficiary of the funds, it is your responsibility to pay for it.
Make the payment of $43 Only by Western Union Money Transfer or Money Gram with the details below''
Receivers Name: James Ufoma
Address: 12 pounds road, Lagos Nigeria
Test Question: Good
Answer: News
The following information should be provided after making the payment
1) Sender's Name
2) Sender's Address
3) Direct Telephone/Cell Number
4) M.T.C.N
5) The Payout Amount
If you know you won't be able to pay for the Delivery fee of your ATM CARD please do not respond to this email and as such your ATM CARD will be returned to the compensation office.
Thanks for your understanding.
Sincerely,
ATM Card Delivery Expert
Mark Ubadi
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Anti-fraud resources:
