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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "account in your country or any safer place" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "abidjan" (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.
- matthew_l2004@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "chris linda" <matthewl2000@pnetmail.co.za>
Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 22:24:59 +0200
Subject: I HOPE ON YOU
FROM MRS Linda And Matthew
ABIDJAN COTE D IVIORE
My Dear
Email Contacts Here
matthew_l2004@hotmail.com
I am Mrs linda Chris from Ivory Coast. I lost my husband
Mr Matthew Chris a couple of months ago. My husband was a
serving director of the Cocoa exporting abroad until his
death .He was assassinated last january 09/01/2004 by the
rebels following the political uprising. Before his
death he had a foreign account here in Cote d' Ivoire up
to the tune of ($9.5M) which he told the bank was for the
importation of cocoa processing machine.
I want you to do me a favour to receive this funds to a
safe account in your country or any safer place as the
beneficiary .MOREOVER,I AM WILLING TO OFFER YOU 10% OF THE
TOTAL SUM AS COMPENSATION WHEN THE FUND IS SUCCESSFUL
TRANSFER TO YOUR NORMINATED BANK ACCOUNT IN YOUR COUNTRY.)
I have plans to do investment in your country, like real
estate and industrial production.This is my reason for
writing to you.Please if you are willing to assist me
indicate your interest in replying me soonest,
see our Email Contacts Here
matthew_l2004@hotmail.com
Thanks
MRS Linda And Matthew
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Anti-fraud resources:
