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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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "The Sec. General" <info@un.com>
Reply-To: sg_un@1email.eu
Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2017 16:36:41 +0100
Subject: Attn: The Beneficiary
Attention: The Beneficiary,
RE: YOUR PAYMENT NOTIFICATION.
This is to bring to your notice that your file has been forwarded to my
Desk for Final Review and Approval for the release of your funds. Due to
the delay reported to me as the Head, I have mandated the immediate
release of your fund based on the insight on your transaction; reconfirm
your basic records for immediate release of your fund.
Your full Names:
Address:
Amount:
Payment Method: Online /ATM.
To avoid any complication on your part, I have perfected your fund
transaction history to ensure the funds are accessible to you without
problem. The approval granted on your favor is for onward transfer to you
through the certify Prime Bank which I will direct to you without delay
for your prompt release Via; Telegraphic transfer or ATM/Draft Delivery to
your doorstep.
Your prompt response will be appreciated.
Yours Faithfully,
Ban Ki-Moon.
For: The United Nations.
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Anti-fraud resources:
