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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. James Donald.." <donaldaaj8@gmail.com>
Date:
Subject:
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Dear Beneficiary
You have been compensated by united nation with the sum of 5.5 million
dollars. We have instructed the paying bank to credit the fund into
ATM card and send to you or your bank account in your country . All
you have to do right now is to provide your home address, a copy of
your identity card and your whatsapp number for easy communication .
We have given audacity instruction for the release of your fund . Do
not waste time
to reply to this email, if you are willing to receive this fund if
you are interested reply me in my private box (
redacted@domain.name )
Thanks
Mr. James Donald..
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Anti-fraud resources:
