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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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- "transaction is risk free" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- 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.
- ukpevoharry@presidency.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Ukpevo Harry E." <ekherry@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:49:14 +0700
Subject: YOUR HUMBLE ATTENTION NEEDED
Your humble attention needed.
I am Ukpevo Harry E. I have been Personal Assistance (PA) to Chief James O. Ibori (Formal Governor of the Richest State in Nigeria for 8years, Niger Delta.). I am humbly seeking for your cooperation in building Hotel Facilities or Real Estate Facilities in your country with my boss' funds. It has been currently deposited ABROAD in a Trust Account.
I am in need of YOUR ASSISTANCE to realize Chief James' wish. I have been granted the power as his personal assistance to search for a new RESPONSIBLE heir of the funds. I believe destiny allows us to meet for this mutual beneficial project I offered which can change your life for generations.
My sincerest apology should you think if this email is not in line with my profession as only his Personal Assistance. My boss, Chief James O. Ibori, has been arrested by the Interpol in Dubai for political reason recently.
I have to redirect you to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/86805z69.stm and http://amairi.org/ibori_loot.html for your confirmation.
I need an experienced person. I have faith in you. You will assist me to initiate and develop the project to the successful accomplishment. Then you will also assume the responsibility of ownership as chairman. In this way, you show your capability in bringing in monthly profit and per annum.
You should observe utmost confidentiality. I respected you. I have my life on the line that this transaction is risk free and WILL NEVER BRING YOU TO ANY LEGAL TROUBLE. I shall give you more information upon receiving your positive response as URGENT. Please reply to my personal email ukpevoharry@presidency.com for quick follow-up.
Regards,
Ukpevo Harry E.
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Anti-fraud resources:
