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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:
- "clearance document" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- ",500,000" (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)
- "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: Craig Brown <ezeus999@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2023 00:23:00 -1200
Subject: Business proposal
Sir,
Permit me to introduce myself, I am Mr.Craig Brown member of the Ministry
of Work and Housing (MWH) . I am writing to you based on a brief business
investment discussion. This fund resulted from an over-invoiced bill from a
contract awarded by the Ghana government under the Ministry of work and
housing The contract has been executed. Commissioned, the contractor has
been paid his actual cost for the contract. A balance of US$ 21,500,000.00
as the over-invoiced amount is remain and ready to wire transfer on my
presentation of a new company to claim the over-invoice with proper
financial clearance documents that will clear the funds to your oversea
bank account
You will be entitled to 40% of the total sum on your participation . If
your are interested get back to me i will details you on what next to move
forward.
Regards
Mr.Craig Brown
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Anti-fraud resources:
