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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "confidential business" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- basichands556@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Vladmir Rotenberg" <No-reply@emperorenergy.com>
Reply-To: <basichands556@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 22:41:21 -0700
Subject: PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR CAPABILITY
Dearest Confidant
I am writing to you regarding a confidential business proposition that could be beneficial to both parties. As the current climate of the Russia/Ukraine war has rendered me unable to engage in financial transactions, I require your assistance in securing an investment of $45 million USD. Furthermore, I am in need of a partner in the immediate supply of petroleum products.
I understand the importance of discretion, which is why I have chosen to communicate with you privately.
This business partnership presents a unique opportunity for mutual profit and success. I am confident that together we can navigate the complexities of the present geopolitical situation and establish a fruitful collaboration.
In order to proceed, I request that you respond to me privately at basichands556@gmail.com with your acceptance of this proposal. Upon receiving your reply, I will provide you with further details regarding the partnership.
I eagerly await your response and look forward to working with you in the near future.
Warm regards,
Vladimir Rotenberg
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Anti-fraud resources:
