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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- 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.
- dr.anthony.financial@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Hon.Peter James" <anthony.secretary@gmail.com>
Reply-To: anthonywhite02@rediffmail.com
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2013 22:37:00 +0300
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS
Attention, My Good Friend.
This is to thank you for your effort.I understood that your hands were
tied to receive your fund since and all the effort you made so far
towards this transaction.
I have succeeded,the money has been transferred into the account provided
by a newly found friend of mine. To compensate for your past assistance
and commitments you made toward this transaction,i have drooped an
International Certified Bank Draft
cheque worth of $1.8MUSD for you.
I am out for my country with my family presently.I am in Japan now for
my contract project with Mr. Takaya Kamara who assisted the
transaction to be completed.I'm very busy at the moment for the
investment project. Before do intend to establish some business
concerns,and possibly buy some properties here in the country.Contact
My personal adviser for your fund compensation.
Note that you will send the courier charge the sum of $125.00 if you
wish the drfat to be delivered to you by official courier services.
contact him immediately with the below information and and ask him how
to send the courier service charge. below is the information.
Name: Dr.Anthony Kevin
Email: dr.anthony.financial@gmail.com
Direct Mobile Tel +2348082002432
Forward my mail to him,then ask him to send the cheque to you contact him
with your Address:
1.YOUR FULL NAME :=====
2.HOME/OFFICE ADDRESS :======
3.CURRENT HOME/OFFICE TELEPHONE NUMBER :=====
5.A COPY OF YOUR INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT/DRIVER LICENSE: ========
6.SEX :====
7.AGE :===
8.OCCUPATION :========
Take good care of your self.
Best Regards,
Hon.Peter James
Federal Minister Of Works AND HOUSING.
Contact me once you have claim the money.
Telephone +812367896531
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Anti-fraud resources:
