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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:
- "fiduciary agent" (real lotteries do not use a "claim agent" / "fiduciary agent")
- "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. )
- 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.
- +447045729737 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- 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.
- exel_philipmoore@yahoo.co.uk
Fraud email example:
From: james parker <primeluckyawardcentre@yahoo.dk>
Date: Tue, 5 Jun 2007 07:55:20 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: CONTACT SECURITY COMPANY FOR FUND RELEASE
Attn:Winner,
Your claims form has been verified and approved and your winning cheque deposited with Exel securities international U.K
Find below contact of the Security Company /Asset Mgd Company and the person in charge with Lottery prize delivery/transfer. Remember to forward a copy of your claims form/Batch and Ref Number to him.
CONTACT PERSON:-
Mr. Philip Moore
Exel Securities International
Ocean House, The Ring
Bracknell RG12 1AN London United Kingdom
Telephone:+447045729737,+447031861238,
E-mail: exel_philipmoore@yahoo.co.uk
Do keep me updated as soon as you receive your winning.
Regards
JAMES PARKER
Tel:+447045720154
Fiduciary AGENT for winning transfer
Anti-fraud resources: