|
|
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.
- 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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "@diplomats.com" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- diplomailoffice@diplomats.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Godwin Emefiele" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <enquiry6department5@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2015 12:57:18 -0800
Subject: Quickly Contact Diplomat Alan Bailey For Your Cash consignment or Call Him +1(972) 220-9504t
Compensation From The New President .
This letter will definitely be astonishing to you because of its realistic value. Sorry for the inconveniences that was rendered to you in your line of your payment transaction with some impersonators some while ago. I know that this letter will hit you as surprise, but firstly I will like to introduce myself to you, I am Mr Godwin Emefiele the Executive Governor Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
It was agreed that we should do everything possible to retain the good image of Nigeria and the rest of African countries, all the victims who lost his/her hard earn money to these faceless thieves will be compensated with just (One Million United state dollars). This we assume will help you to start a new life.
For your information Your Diplomat Has arrived at Palm Beach International Airport Florida in person Alan Bailey and send him email at ( diplomailoffice@diplomats.com ) Note, that you must reconfirm your full address and valid phone# to enable him deliver your cash consignment to you without any mistake/delay.
You must contact him now through email:( diplomailoffice@diplomats.com) or 9722209504.
Get back to me with update.
Sincerely yours.
Godwin Emefiele
GOVERNOR OF THE CBN
|
Anti-fraud resources:
