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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:
- "million us 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)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: UBA BANK GROUP PLC <imf.washingtondc5@gmail.com>
Reply-To: unitedbankfora19@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2021 23:56:01 +0000
Subject: ATTENTION TO THE FINAL RELEASE ORDER
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FROM UBA BANK GROUP PLC.
Address : Carrefour des 3 banques,
Avenue Jean Paul II
01 BP 2020 Cotonou,
BENIN Republic.
GREETING FROM UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA BENIN REPUBLIC.
Your total funds worth $12.8 million US Dollars will be delivered to
your home address through ATM Card Delivery Via Express Delivery
Company. Your ATM Card has been activated and deposited with Express Delivery
Company already, So kindly update us with:
1. Your Full Name which you prefer we use when shipping your ATM CARD:........
2. Your Current mailing (Delivery) Address where your ATM CARD should
be mailed to:......
3. Your Private Mobile Number for the Priority Express Mail to Contact
you when they arrive at your doorstep:....
4. Your direct telephone Number:.........
5. A copy of your identification card or driver licence:......
Reply this message with the below contact details immediately you
receive this message for immediate shipment of your ATM CARD.
Yours In Service,
Mr. Frank Wilson Sr.
THE UBA BANK COORDINATOR BENIN REPUBLIC.
WEBSITE: http://www.ubagroup.com/countries/bj
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Anti-fraud resources:
