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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:
- "00,000.00" (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: "Mr. Rudo Laizar" <mopol23ify@gmail.com>
Reply-To: msvenetejk@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2021 21:22:25 -0800
Subject: SS
Congratulations!!!
A report came to this office regarding a fund transfer which you are
supposed to receive. Investigation has been made and we have discovered
that the wrong officials were behind all the delays. This report was made
from the State Finance Commission that your funds have not been released to
you. The wrong officials have been arrested; they are now in jail for
attempting a fraud act to seize the sum of $ 5,800,000.00 US Dollars as
Compensation Fund which was made approved by the State Government to you.
The State Finance Commission have given order to the Bank authorities to
issue a Certified Bank Transfer to your Bank Account
For the final release of your fund via Bank to Bank transfer you are
requested to contact Ms. Venete J. Klein to direct you on how to receive
your Fund. Waiting on your urgent response.
Regard's
Mr. Rudo Laizar
Public Affairs
State Finance Commission
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Anti-fraud resources:
