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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:
- "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: Mr Richard Lewis <transferdept.lewis@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:06:01 -0700
Subject: VALUED CUSTOMER
Dearest Valued Customer.*
*This is to inform you about your fund $20.5million usd deposited under non
residential escrow account on your name and our bank has introduces a new
way of transferring huge amount of fund to every foreign beneficiary to
avoid problem or a delay. The money will be transfer bit by bit into your
account by starting with $500,000.00 usd for a start before we proceed with
the balanced.*
*Kindly fill this beneficiary form, and send your bank account information,
also attach your identification copy for us to proceed with the notarization
of your transfer documents and credit your account with your fund*
*For further information please call Tel/fax: +233-21296082.*
*Regards.
Mr. Richard Lewis
International Remittance Director.
Eco Bank Gh Ltd. Accra Ghana.
Mobile: +233-242-341-491*
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Anti-fraud resources: