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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:
- "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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "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. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- "certified bank draft" (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. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- 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.
- +447011141180 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- +448704794264 (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.
- fairwayexpress@btinternet.com
Fraud email example:
From: =?utf-8?B?IlBhdmVsIO+/vXRvbGwi?= <vokovice@iol.cz>
Reply-To: fairwayexpress@btinternet.com
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:45:51 GMT
Subject: CONTACT COURIER FOR YOUR COMPENSATION
CONTACT COURIER FOR YOUR COMPENSATION
I am using this opportunity to thank you for your effort to our unfinished transfer of fund into your account,I want to inform you that I have successfully transferred the Cheque out of the company to someone else who was capable of assisting me in this great venture .Due to your effort,sincerity,courage you showed at the course of the transaction I want to compensate you with the sum of $500,000.00 (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY.).You are to contact the courier company were it finaly deposited for the collection of the certified bank draft.
Name: Mr.Kelvin Mccarthy
EMAIL: fairwayexpress@btinternet.com
Tel.Nr +44-701-114--1180
Fax Nr: +44 -870-479-4264
At the moment, I am very busy here because of the investment projects I am having at hand. Finally,I have forwarded instruction to the courier company on your behalf to send the bank draft to you as soon as you contact them.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Anital Wood
Anti-fraud resources: