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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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- 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.
- bilitieno1@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Bili Tieno" <bilitieno1@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2022 17:57:45 -0800
Subject: NEED'S YOUR URGENT RESPOND.
Dear Friend;
I know this means of communication may not be morally right to
you as a person; but I also had a great thought about it and I have
come to this conclusion which I am about to share with you.
INTRODUCTION: Am Mr. Bili Tieno; a banker and in one way or the
other was hoping you will cooperate with me as a partner in a project
of transferring an abandoned fund of a late customer of the bank that
worth ($18.6)million dollars.
This will be disbursed or shared between the both of us in these
percentages, 55% for me and 45% for you. Contact me immediately
if that is alright for you so that we can enter in agreement before we
start processing for the transfer of the funds. If you are satisfied with
this proposal, please provide the below details for the Mutual
Confidentiality Agreement:
1. Full Name and Address
2. Occupation and Country of Origin
3. Telephone Number
4. A scan copy of your identification
I wait for your urgent response ( bilitieno1@gmail.com ) so that we can
commence on this transaction as soon as possible.
Regards,
Mr. Bili Tieno.
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Anti-fraud resources:
