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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Juan Carlos" <mco@cyber.net.pk>
Reply-To: mrjuancarlos1333@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2016 10:20:29 +0100 (CET)
Subject: Offer Letter
Dear Friend,
I am Mr.Juan Carlo,I work as a Project Manager with United Nation
Development Program Asia pacific (UNDP) I am also the concerned principal
with contract appraisal and the approval of contracts in order of priority
in regards with capital projects of the (UNDP) here in Asia.
I am contacting you with regards to a discreet and lucrative sensitive
business venture available by virtue of my position.I have successfully
secured the sum of(US$5.7 Million)which accumulated from over invoices.To
this effect I decided to contact you and ask for your assistance, to
enable us work together and transfer this amount into your overseas
account and also to help me invest in your country while I remain silent
due to my position.I am willing to compensate you with 50% of the total
amount upon a successful conclusion of this transaction.
If you consider yourself eligible and capable to handle this transaction
then contact me and I will furnish you with further exclusive and of
course, confidential details once I receive your affirmation response.
Best Regards,
Mr.Juan Carlos
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Anti-fraud resources:
