|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "hundred thousand us 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)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- 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.
- pauldavis9011@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: WILLIAMS jones <williams.jones1111@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2016 17:19:14 +0000
Subject: URGENT CONTACT
Attn;My Dear
Its my pleasure to inform you that your name appeared in the list of beneficiaries not yet received there approved fund.Due to over delayed of your fund it has accumulated an interest which you the beneficiary will receive the sum of USD1.5M[ONE MILLION,FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND US DOLLARS ONLY] as approved by debt reconciliation department of United Nation Cotonou Benin.Your fund has been approved and ATM card has been programmed to be sent to you via your address to enable you withdraw per day USD7,500.usd until all your fund withdrawn by you or wire transfer as you may choose. You are requested to contact MR PAUL DAVIS,my secretary with below information whom in-charge of your delivery to enable him forward your card to your address as am now in Paname for UN Project
MR PAUL DAVIS
EMAIL; pauldavis9011@gmail.com
TELEPHONE; REQUEST FROM HIM.
Your payment reference code Number; MTM/PTF/0041/16
You can send to him your full name, home address,telephone number and your payment reference code. Do contact him now to avoid any further delays in your payment. Have a nice day.
Regards
MR WILLIAMS JONES
DIRECTOR DEBT RECONCILIATION UNITED NATION BENIN
|
Anti-fraud resources:
