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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:
- "western union" (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. )
- "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)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- 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.
- diplomaitc@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Awe Adada <aweadada2008@yahoo.fr>
Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 21:43:03 +0100 (BST)
Subject: CALL IMMEDIATELY YOU READ THIS MESSAGE 561-209-7890
Attention
Good morning to you with all your families, i wish all is well in Jesus name our lord. Amen.
Yes it my pleasure to let you know I have arrived last night to Los Angeles ga usa. With your funds of $850.000.00 usa dollars atfer easter holidays i was stoped by home land security here is the picture we take today during the meeting at the airport. Right Now i have summith the whole coverage papers to custom and immigration.
Now the only money you have to send to enable me complete your delivery is the fees of $84.00 for your airway bill and I will be leaving the airport to your home in next 4hours the fund is received by you.Be informed that your consignment box was open this morning by custom and immigration due to this proccess.
So do send the $84.00 to my company in Republic of Benin and reconfirm your full information before I can move further with your consignment box.Here is my phone to Rich me.(561)-209-7890 clicks here to know the area where I am at ( http://www.visitingdc.com/airports/lax-airport-address.asp ) So you have to contact me with this email address:(diplomaitc@hotmail.com )
The fee to obtain the airway bill is only $84.00 you can send the fee to my company with this casher name bellow for easy pick up and obtain the paper, Send the $84 Via Western Union Money Transfer, Gieve me a call once you send the $84.00 (561-209-7890)
Receiver Name====Lawrence Igbanugo
Country======Republic Of Benin
City===========Cotonou
Question======Send It?
Answer======Today
Amount=====$84.00
MTCN=======
So quit communication with any other body, company, or person (s) to avoid problem in your delivery this time OK?
Therefore comply urgent in this mail message for quick delivery of your consignment in your home address.
God bless you for cooperation in this matter.
Thanks and God bless
I am agent Mr Terry Aweadada:(561)-209-7890
International diplomatic agent.
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