|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- 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:
- "million pounds" (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: Board Of Directors <loja11@gruporival.com.br>
Reply-To: Board Of Directors <inter.switch.atm@w.cn>
Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2011 11:44:33 -0200 (BRST)
Subject: Confirm
Good Day,
I have decided to write you since you never cared to write back after all the efforts I made to see that you are Two Million pounds richer as soon as this is over.I have totally decided to lift my hands off your benefits and made it known to the board of directors that you have shown no interest in the claims of your ATM because you believe that everyone is a scam.I have also been instructed to forward a disclaimer form to you since you instructed Mr Howard Labor from Canada to claim your ATM on the basis that you are not able to meet up with the Courier Delivery Requirements.
Quickly reply immediately requesting for the disclaimer form so I can forward it immediately and you sign rejecting the fund.
If we do not hear from you within 48 hours,We will assume that you voluntarily forfeited the offer.
Best Regards
Smith Martins
Secretary Board Of Directors
|
Anti-fraud resources:
