|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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: "Jonathan Asher" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jashermsgg@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2018 23:01:19 -0600
Subject: Details CODE 101
Dear friend,
I want to ask your permission and assistance to facilitate a business transaction .
We have US$8.250 million.
We want to use your channel to move the amount overseas and we shall share with you.All is ready and have been programmed for the release of the money.
The payment shall be by Swift MT103.
Your consent to help will be highly appreciated and this will enable us to place your details as a beneficiary in the schedule.
I want to assure you that all proper documentations shall be secured in compliant to how things are done to avoid any breach of the law.This is to give you legitimate status as soon as the money is in your custody.
If you are willing and ready to partner with us, I will be glad to continue this discussion with you.We desire trust, honesty and confidentiality.
Email YOUR FULL NAMES, TELEPHONE NUMBER AND PHYSICAL ADDRESS.
Thank you and hope to hear from you.
Best Regards,
Jonathan Asher.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
