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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:
- "drug free certificate" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
- "mtcn" (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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Sir Paul Bryant" <sirpbryant@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:15:09 -0400
Subject: COMPLY WITH MY INSTRUCTIONS
Subject to the release of your sealed consignment box in Atlanta , Georgia
with the security agent from Stallion Security before interception by the
United Nations (UN).
I am sending this email to inform you that I have just received a report
from the International Police which is the Interpol office that you have
been given on or before the 19th of March to provide the Drug Free
Certificate or your name will be posted to the FBI office and you will be
tagged as a fugitive .
I hereby humbly inform you that if you know what is best for you kindly
forward the payment of US$550.00 payable to my accounts clerk so that I can
secure the documents on your behalf and resolve this issue ammecably .
Make payment of US$550.00 payable to the name of :
Receiver : Eric B Wiredu
City: Tema
Country; Ghana
Test question: Color
Answer: White .
Once you make the payment please forward the MTCN and names of sender in
full to me and note you have not less than 19th of March to make this
payment .
Kindly forward to me your direct contact telephone number so that I can call
to speak with you immediately .
I will await your response with payment information ,
Regards ,
Sir.Paul Bryant
Attach below is a copy of the Police letter and also a copy of your sealed
consignment box also let me know in your email if you were contacted by any
Sandra Jones in Atlanta ,GA because she is working under United Nations and
she has your consignment with her ...Please confirm to me immediately ok so
that we can find a solution to this urgent matter.Please let me know your
contact with her .
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Anti-fraud resources:
