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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:
- "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. )
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Mr Anthony Robert <mr.olivier.blanchard@gmail.com>
Reply-To: westernunion.agentoffice@usa.com
Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2022 16:30:05 +0000
Subject: Your Western Union Payment.
Attention Beneficiary
I am Mrs. Janet DiFiore from Ministry Of Finance Head office here in
Vietnam Republic Southeast Asia, We have approved your payment of $5000.00
is available to add your name for immediate pickup in your name today and
Here is the information; MTCN #: 076-567-1903 and you can track it now with
this link: https://www.westernunion.com/us/en/send-money/app/tracktransfer
I told him to keep sending you $ 5000.00 daily until the Government
Compensation payment of ($3.5 Million us 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 is below.
MTCN #: 076-567-1903
Amount: $ 5000.00
Receiver: ******not added
Question: Transfer code
Answer: EB2520
Your full details is needed to add on the payment for pick up?
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 $395
usd and add your name as the receiver to enable you start receiving your
payment $5000 daily limit. 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 Jerry Young
Thanks and hope to read from you soon as you have receive the first payment.
Best regards.
Mrs. Janet DiFiore
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