|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- 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.
- laandrew47@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Rose Dawson <iristoski56@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2021 01:52:05 -0800
Subject: PAYMENT,
New York, NY
United States 770 Broadway
Facebook Lottery in Affiliation with Wells Fargo Bank
Dear One,
A report was filed against these departments about your unreleased
prize winning and we have reviewed the past records which indicates
your outstanding fund to be dormant and will be reactivated as soon as
you confirm the mailing address where you want us to mail your Cheque.
Also we need you to provide your telephone number with a clear copy of
a valid driver’s license or international passport that will enable
the Wells Fargo Bank to initiate the process of your Cheque which is
valued at $250,000.00. (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars).
Please do not hesitate to ask questions where you consider necessary
for further clarification.
Person to contact with your details below:
Andrew Lamb (Mr.)
Chief Financial Officer
Email:laandrew47@gmail.com
Regards,
Rose Dawson (Mrs.)
Facebook Audit Unit
|
Anti-fraud resources:
