|
|
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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million united states 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 next of kin scam.
- 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.
- andrewdickson175@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Andrew Dickson" <andrewdickson175@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 18:34:16 -0500
Subject: THIS IS OUR LAST NOTICE TO YOU
Good day,
I may have to trouble your sense of personal achievement and reward for an
opportunity properly taken advantage of.I wish to notify you again that
you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$25.000, 000.00
(Twenty-Five Million United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the
deceased (name now withheld since this is our second letter to you).
We contacted you because we trust you and therefore we can present you as
the beneficiary to this inheritance funds since there is no written will
from our late client.Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete
service as we are prepared to provide you with all the documents required
by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you
as the Next of Kin.All the papers work required will be processed in your
acceptance of this deal as we are prepared to offer you 15%, We shall have
50% for the Joint establishment of any Sector or other profitable
investment in your country through your assistance and the remaining 25%
will be for me and my family while 5% reserve for taxes and other
miscellaneous expenses in the fund remittance while 5% should be given to
any Orphanage Home, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter
of acceptance. What I will need from you now is your full name and address
and your phone and fax
number.
Your prompt response is highly imperative.
Yours sincere
Email: andrewdickson175@gmail.com
Andrew Dickson
|
Anti-fraud resources:
