joewein.de LLC fighting spam and scams on the Internet

Try our spam filter! Free trial for 30 days

"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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.

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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: shirley gbujama <shirleygbujama3000@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 05:41:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: hello


Dear sir/madam,

I have a profiling amount of 10.4 Million United States Dollars secured in an offshore private bank/security company. I am seeking your assistance in securing these funds into a safe account for future investment purposes but requiring maximum confidentiality. This is bourne out of the fact that I am still in active service.

Upon your positive response to my proposal, I will provide you with the following! information: How I will introduce you/your company to the holding security company/bank and make you the beneficiary of the money to enable the funds be moved into your custody. Who I am and why I have decided to sought for your assistance.What percentage of the money I am willing to give you for your assistance.
If you will be able to do this kindly respond with your private phone and fax numbers for easier and faster communication.

Shirley


---------------------------------
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam