|
|
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 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mary Faith William" <unci@gmx.us>
Reply-To: <maryfaithwilliams@yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 04:40:43 -0000
Subject: Reply needed please.
Dear Friend,
I am Mary Faith William from Cote d'ivoire, I need you to help me transfer the some of (11.5 million dollars) which was deposited in bank by my late father before he died. He used my name as the next of kin to the money, I am presently hiding for my safety in a remote area in my country due to family reason.
I want to relocate to your country to finish my masters degree and also for the investment of the money while you will be the manager of the investment since I don't know any body in your country. I will offer you 30% of the total money and also 5% for any expenses the may come up before the bank can transfer the money to your account.
All the deposit documents of this money will be send across to you as soon as I hear from you. i will want you to send me your i'd and picture and also your direct contacting telephone number to enable me know who I am
dealing with for more trust. I will be waiting for your reply as soon as possible.
Yours Sincerely
Miss Mary Faith William
|
Anti-fraud resources:
