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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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.
- 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.
- mayorkasalejandro97@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Alejandro Mayorkas" <filesoffice25@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mayorkasalejandro97@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:10:29 -0800
Subject: GREETINGS DEAR LUCKY WINNER!
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GREETINGS DEAR LUCKY WINNER!
This is to bring to your notice that you have inheritance funds to
receive from this noble office. Your US$3 million dollars has been
loaded in an ATM card for onward shipment to you.
With the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), you can withdraw your funds
in any ATM machine. The maximum withdrawal is $2,500.00 in a go. But
you will have a special right to withdraw 2 times per day, which is
US$5,000.00 daily.
You can also order for online banking transfer if you wish to receive
your funds via the online banking system.
Please furnish us with your receiving information to expedite your
funds delivery process.
Your Full Name........
Your State............
Your City Airport....
Your Home Address...
Your Phone Number.....
Copy of Your ID Card
Email address....
Upon receipt of the above information from you, your funds will be delivered.
Respectfully
Mr. Alejandro Mayorkas
The New Secretary Of US Homeland Security
Email:mayorkasalejandro97@gmail.com
Phone Number:+13603587256
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