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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million dollars" (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. Mustafa Ali." <mustafaliali85@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2021 01:20:47 +0100
Subject: Dear Friend
This message might meet you in utmost surprise. However, It's just my
urgent needed for a foreign partner that made me contact you for this
transaction. I assured you of honesty and reliability to champion this
business opportunity. I am a banker by profession in Turkey, and currently
holding the post of accounting Manager in our Standard Chartered Bank
Turkey.
I have the opportunity of transferring the leftover funds ($15 Million
Dollars) of one of my clients who died along with his entire family in
crisis in Myanmar Asia. I am inviting you for a business deal where this
money can be shared between us if you agree to my business proposal.
Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you immediately after
I receive your return letter.
Thanks,
Mr. Mustafa Ali.
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Anti-fraud resources:
