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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "million us 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: "Mrs. Elizabeth M. Maher" <lvankalisa1@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mrmarkruben@departmentoft1.wecom.work
Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2023 10:32:12 -0700
Subject: COMPENSATION FUNDS.
From the Office of Mrs.Elizabeth M. Maher
IMF Deputy Managing Director
and Chief Administrative Officer
Dear Sir/Madam,
Payment Allocation File Number: WQ-081/PLFB-03/19
This is to inform you that the United Nations has passed a mandate to
the World Bank Organization to boost the exercise of clearing all
foreign debts owed to you. You are now entitled to receive your
long-awaited funds which collectively amount to sum of 4.6 million US
dollars from IMF Deputy Managing Director under the supervision of FBI
and UN authorities..
You are advised to contact Mr. Mark Ruben. He is the funds transfer
agent who was assigned to handle your payment alongside the director.
Send your information as listed below to
his email address right away and call him.
1. Full name...
2. Current home/office address...
3. Phones...
4. A copy of ID...
5. Occupation...
6. Preferred payment method (Bank Transfer, ATM Card, and Cashier
Check)...
Contact person: Mr. Mark Ruben
E-mail: mrmarkruben@departmentoft1.wecom.work
Urgent response is anticipated.
Regards,
Thank you,
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Maher
New Jersey State Treasurer
Email: elizabethmmaher@statetreasure.wecom.work
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Anti-fraud resources:
