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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "please indicate your willingness" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- 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.
Fraud email example:
From: "nobertnkata1@gmail.com" <idesign@i-design.com.hk>
Reply-To: NOBERT NKATA <nobertnkata@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:09:45 +0800 (HKT)
Subject: From: Mr. Nobert Nkata / Response Needed
From: Mr. Nobert Nkata / Response Needed
Reply To Email: nobertnkata@hotmail.co.za
Phone:+27848881425
Dear Friend,
I am Nobert Nkata, Personal banker and account officer to the late UWE Gemballa who was murdered in South Africa, before his death he was the former CEO of the Porsche tuning company that bears his name.
My urgent need for a foreign partner that made me to contact you for this transaction. I got your contact from yahoo Tourist search while I was searching for a foreign partner. As this message might meet you in utmost surprise. However, it All just sure of your capability. And reliability to champion this business opportunity when I prayed to good Lord about you.
Immediately you receive this letter. Please indicate your Willingness by sending your information to enable us enter into the official stage of this transaction. For more Clarification and easy communication
Reply To My Private Email: nobertnkata@hotmail.co.za
I await your response.
Thanks,
Yours Faithfully,
Mr. Nobert Nkata
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Anti-fraud resources:
