|
|
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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <mitchellemon@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 17:15:59 +0100
Subject: Good Morning
Dear friend,
I am Mr Mitchell Lemon from Malaysia i got your contact after a reliable search from the internet, but now undergoing treatment in England.I worked with British Drilling Corporation East London for over a decade I married for fifteen years without a child. my wife died after a brief illness that lasted for two weeks.I vow to use my wealth for the down trodden and the less privileged in the society. Since the doctor had comfirmed my situation that I will not live long I have decided to give out my money to the poor. Deposited the sum of 12 Million pounds (Twelve Million Pounds sterling) with my personal bank account in UK. Presently, this money is still there in the bank called Natwest Bank Plc. Recently,my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 15 days due to cancer problem.Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to an individual or better still a God fearing person who will utilize this money the way I am
going to instruct here in.I want
Get back for more details thank you and may the Almighty bless you. God Bless You,
Mr Mitchell Lemon
|
Anti-fraud resources:
