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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:
- "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.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- mr_kimwong@yahoo.co.jp (Yahoo, Japan; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Senathip Sripaipan" <test123@hkxf.org>
Reply-To: <mr_kimwong@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2020 07:37:44 -0700
Subject: I await to hear from you
Dear Friend,
Kindly accept my unreserved apologies if this email offence your sensibility, I meant no offence but good intentions. My name is Mr. Senathip Sripaipan, I am 54 years old Thai and married with two grown-up children. I work with TMB Bank Public Company Limited Bangkok Thailand; I head one of the Bank's many branches as a branch Manager. I have a business proposition that it will be a great honor to share with you because this has to do with your last name.
I will furnish you with more details as soon as I receive your response indicating your willingness to handle this transaction with me. The amount involved is US$33M equivalent and I will be glad to share 50-50 with you if you agree to my terms and conditions. E-mail mr_kimwong@yahoo.co.jp
Your earliest response in this regard would be highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Senathip Sripaipan
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Anti-fraud resources:
