|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "00,000.00" (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: Smith Myesha Donna <smithmyeshadonna@gmail.com>
Reply-To: usdepartmentofstate033@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:38:51 -0700
Subject: ATTENTION
--
The sum of US$10,700,000.00 was was deposited in our bank and we have
been instructed to pay your directly via personal on-line bank
The Management has resolved to open Personal On-line Banking Account
for you with our bank and then give you the on-line access which will
enable you to check and make electronics wire transfer out to any part
of the world of your choice.
We are going to have this account open on your name as soon as you
reply to this important e-mail and give you your new open account
information’s for your record.
Once we show you prove of fund by giving you the new Personal On-line
Account and your real account balance of US$10,700,000.00 which is
your Part payment of the full amount credited to you
We are only given you the benefit of doubt by agreeing in showing you
that we are capable of opening the new account on your behalf and give
you the full on line access for your record.
Let me know that you agree and understand the important of this matter
before we go ahead and get this matter completed for you because we
are professional in handling international matters like this.
Kindly Send the Above information to enable us set the account open for you.
Full Name:……………………. ………………………… …………………………
Full Address:…………………. ………………………… …………………………
Direct Telephone Number:……. ………………………… ……………………
Please, reconfirm your direct cell phone number to enable voice communication
Looking forward for your next letter
Thank you for your patient.
Regards
Mr. Smith
|
Anti-fraud resources:
