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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 united state 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)
- "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: ZONGO OSENIN <muatassim000111@gmail.com>
Date:
Subject:
I am Mr.Zongo Osen, I work with the department of Audit and
accounting manager here in the Bank of Africa, There is this fund that
was keep in my bank custody years ago, I need your assistance for the
transferring of this fund to your bank account for both of us benefit
for life time investment and the amount is (US$18 MILLION UNITED STATE
DOLLARS).
I have every inquiry details to make the bank believe you and release
the fund to your bank account within 7 banking working days with your
full cooperation with me after success Note / 45% for you while 55%
for me after success of the transfer of the funds to your bank
account.
Below information is what I need from you so we can be reaching each other,
1) Full name...
2) Private telephone number...
3) Ages...
4) Nationalities...
5) Occupations...
I am waiting for your urgent response
Thanks.
Mr.Zongo Osen.
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Anti-fraud resources:
