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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:
- "million dollars" (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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447031872627 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- 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.
- barristerbeneric@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Mary Aloma <maryaloma2004@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:01:14 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: CHARITY DONATION
Dear people of God,
How are you doing? Hope fine. I am very sorry to contact you like this, my name is Mrs.Mary Aloma from Yemeh. I have a very severe Esophageal cancer that the doctors said will lead to death in few Months time after trying all medical treatment. I have given most of my assets to my family members and i have decided to give the other part to charity organizations. I cannot do this myself anymore because of my health. I once asked members of my family to give some money to charity organizations they refused and kept the money.
I have Ten Million Dollars($10Musd) with a security and storage company abroad and i want you to help me collect the 10 Million Dollars and use it for charity works. You will take out 10% of this funds for your assistance to enable you carry out this great task. If you are willing to assist me, do contact my attorney at his address:
Name-Barrister Ben Eric
Email: barristerbeneric@aol.com
TEL:+447031872627
Regards,
Mrs.Mary Aloma
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Anti-fraud resources:
