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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "your payment is being processed" (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)
- "to your nominated bank account" (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)
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
- "charles c. soludo" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "lagos" (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 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.
- +23418986022 (Nigeria, landline)
- +2348062645120 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
- 2342348062645120
- 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.
- cbn25_nig@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: Central Bank Of Nigeria Plc Central Bank Of Nigeria Plc <cbn25_nig@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Dec 2007 22:50:55 -0800 (PST)
Subject: release of your funds
I have a new email address!You can now email me at: cbn25_nig@yahoo.com
release of your funds
- CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIATINUBU SQUARE, VICTORIA ISLAND, LAGOS-NIGERIA TELEPHONE 234-8062645120 FAX :234-1-8986022 ATTENTION: SIR / MADAM From the records of outstanding foreign payments due for release with banks in Nigeria, your name and contact was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding foreigners' payment which are stil hanging on and who have not yet received their payments. I wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you reconfirm your payment details so that we can authenticate the claim legally. Also note that from ourrecord the Federal Governemnt of Nigeria has only maped out the sum of US$6,700, 000.00 Six million, seven hundred thousand united states Dollars) to be released to you for now, after which the remaining part of your claims will be released to you. Kindly re-confirm to us the followings:1) Your full name and mailing address. 2) Telephone, Fax and mobile 3) Occupation,4) Age . In receipt of the above information, your payment will be approved and paid to you by wired to your nominated bank account or by cash, you are advised to get back to me immediately with this Number: 234-234-8062645120 for more clarifications. Contact us through our alternative e-mail address;cbn21_nig@yahoo.comYours truly, Fred Jonah Secetary to the Governor PROFESSOR CHARLES C. SOLUDO,
Anti-fraud resources: