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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:
- "western union" (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. )
- "money gram" (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. )
- "consignment " (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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
Fraud email example:
From: Mr.Frank Wilson Sr <udebuude@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <FILE44567@GMAIL.COM>
Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:31:15 -0700
Subject: Attention. Dear Your $500,000.00 Is Ready.
Attention. Dear
This is to inform you that your total amount in bank of America now
is $500,000.00 us dollars compensation for all the fund you lost
during the cost of claiming your winning and if you want to receive
the funds Please make a Choice of delivery for the Shipping of your
funds as they are as charged Below;
Bank to Bank wire transfer: 24 hrs cost $100
Atm master Card delivery: 48 hrs delivery cost $90
Consignment box delivery: 3 working days cost $80
Western union office transfer: 1 hrs cost $75
Money gram office transfer: 30 minute cost $60
DHL COURIER COMPANY: 1 day delivery cost $50
FedEx COURIER COMPANY: 2 day delivery cost $40
UPS COURIER COMPANY: 7 day delivery cost $25
buy Google play gift card or Steam Wallet card and iTunes card and
scratch it very well and snap it picture send to me because that is
the best way without cost you any transfer fee
Your full name ........
Home address .......
Your country.....
Your city......
Telephone........
Occupation......
Your Age ........
your copy id card ...
Finally if your not willing to receive your fund by any of this
method,then you are to come to our office at Washington DC to collect
your price, and you have a maximum of 3 day to do so or else we cancel
it and use it to pay the other victims..
Your urgent response is needed as soon as possible.
Best regard
Mrs. Rose Jamess
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Anti-fraud resources:
