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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: John Ofori <johnoforiattah006@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:26:22 +0100
Subject: Re: Hope to read from you
Dear Sir,
I am a resource personnel. My client have a fund of US$107 Million (One
Hundred and Seven Million United States dollars) only for investment
purposes.
The fund is currently deposited in a top bank but can only be disclosed
when we have a memorandum of understanding and investment plan requiring
financing or we can invest directly in your establishment. I want you want
to be part of the investment portfolio, do contact me urgently.
Best regards
John Ofori.
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Anti-fraud resources:
