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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "mtcn" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- 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.
- info.western_unionmoney1eyy@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Gloria Edwards" <gloriaedy11@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Nov 2021 10:36:08 +0100
Subject: Your payment is available for you to pick up track online.
FROM THE DESK OF WESTERN UNION REMITTANCE
From: “Western Unionâ€Â®
Date: Thursday 11/5/2021 DEPT Our
Ref:WUMT0XX2/987
WEB SITE. www.westernunion.com
We wish to announce to you that your first
approved payment of $5,000.00 is available to
add your name for immediate pickup in your
name today and Here is the information; MTCN
#: 480-176-5006 and you can track it now with
this link:
https://www.westernunion.com/global-
service/tracktransfer
I told him to keep sending you $ 5,000.00
daily until the Government Compensation
payment of ($1,200,000.00 usd dollars) is
completed transfer to you and again forward
them your telephone number and address so
that they will be sure it is you.
Your payment information is below.
MTCN #: 480-176-5006
Amount: $ 5,000
Receiver: ******not added
Question: Transfer code
Answer: EB2520
Your full details is needed to add on the
payment for pick up are?
Full Names.................
Your contact address..........
Your personal telephone number.......
Your Date of birth.................
Your Occupation....................
Your Passport photographs attach copy or any
of your valid Identity.
Contact the payment officer to activate the
payment code EB2520 with $105 and add your
name as the receiver to enable you start
receiving your payment $5000 every day.
The first $5000 is available as you track it
but if you fail to comply within 48 hours the
payment will be cancelled and to avoid been
hijacked.
Urgently contact the payment department as I
directed you and send your full information
to him.
Contact Person: Mr Nelson Richard
E-mail (info.western_unionmoney1eyy@aol.com )
Thanks and hope to read from you soon as you
have receive the first payment.
Regards.
Mrs. Gloria Edwards
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Anti-fraud resources:
