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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:
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: "Bar. Kelly Mark" <off8@glonik.gq>
Reply-To: <kellymarklawfirm@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 May 2016 21:37:27 +0700
Subject: RELEASE OF FUNDS
>From the Office of:
Barrister Kelly Mark
Kelly Mark Law firm.
Sir,
I am Barrister Kelly Mark, A designated Attorney of the Presidential Committee on Foreign Contract payment.
I have been mandated by the Presidential Committee on Foreign Payment to inform you that you have received an irrevocable and unconditional approval for the immediate release of your funds being the payment of inheritance or a contract that you executed for the Federal government of Nigeria.
For administrative and verification, please reaffirm the following
1. Bank information.
2.Company name/address
3. Tel/fax numbers.
Note that any wrongful information shall definite affect the release of the funds into your designated account.
On receipt of the above information, I shall proceed to apply for claim validation on your behalf.
Regards,
Bar. Kelly Mark
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Anti-fraud resources:
