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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 united states 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: unitednationunesco@gmail.com
Reply-To: magdalenaboulet@proton.me
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:31:26 +0100
Subject: GREETING!!
I'm facilitating a private investor who is facing crises in her
country, she urgently wants to relocate and invest her funds in a
long-term business venture in your country/company under your
supervision.
You will be required to:
1. Receive the funds,
2. Invest and manage the funds profitably.
The amount available for the investment is over One Hundred and
Seventy Five Million United States Dollars. She is willing to give 15%
to you as a partner and another 10% as a Management Commission as soon
as the funds get to you in your country. If you are interested, do get
back for further details, terms and agreement.
I expect to hear from you urgently as this is a high priority
investment placement. I'm looking forward to your swift response.
Warmest Regards,
Magdaline.
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Anti-fraud resources:
