|
|
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:
- "your country for safe keeping" (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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- jacob.abram2013@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: jacob Abram <jimybrad@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <jacob.abram2013@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 15:20:46 +0000
Subject: Dear Partner
Dear Partner
My name is Jacob Abram, I am a Syrian citizen but currently residing here in London UK, I am seeking your cooperation and assistance to help me move my family inheritance money to your country for safe keeping and investment plans thereafter. I have decided to let you have 30% of the total amount to compensate you for your help and great efforts to assist me in carrying out this transaction. You have my assurance that there is no risk involved in this transaction. All I need is your sincere contribution and assistance.
I am looking forward to hear from you. Please do contact me immediately you receive this mail.
Regards,
jacob Abram
Private email:jacob.abram2013@yahoo.com
|
Anti-fraud resources:
