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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:
- "million 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)
- "boa.transfer@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mary" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <boa.transfer@live.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2016 09:14:06 -0800
Subject: Good News, Your Funds Transfer.
12/10/15 at 4:23 AM
Wire/ Transfer/ Department (c) 2015
275 VALENCIA AVE, BREA
website:www.bankofamerica.com
After our serious investigation and checking of funds which have not been release to the beneficiary signed legally by United Nations. we confirmed your last name as one of the approved beneficiary to receive this side funds with all documents. we have concluded to transfer your funds into your bank account without any delaying or cash delivery. get back to us with bellow information to enable us process your wire transfer total sum of $10.7 million dollars. signed and approved with the documents on your name
1. Your full name and present residential address
2. Home and office telephone numbers
3. Your I.D Card
contact us boa.transfer@live.com
Thanks You for choosing Bank of America ,
Marie Martin
Credit Control/Telex Dept,BOA.
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Anti-fraud resources:
