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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:
- 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:
- "with your full names" (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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "HCC FINANCIAL SERVICES" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <heirclaimsoffice@gmx.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 23:19:15 -0500
Subject: Re: `Second And Final Notice
Hello,
My late client bears the same surname as you and has a total of £6.5 Million pounds in codicil waiting to be paid to whoever i forward as his heir; Hence, my reason of contacting you.
I was her Personal assistant and accountant before her death. This fund is currently in the bank waiting for the application/contact of whoever i place as the beneficiary.
You might ask the question what's in it for me(?) I as the PA, i get paid and a percentage of this funds once it has been paid to you: Same thing for you.
Upon your response with your Full names and contact telephone number, I shall give you all instructions and make sure you contact the appropriate office for this claim. I shall also make sure i relay all legal documents regarding to this funds and guide you as you claim it legitimately.
Sincerely,
Mathew Clockson
HCC FINANCIAL SERVICES
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Anti-fraud resources:
