|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
- 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.
- rose.1guei@yahoo.com (Yahoo; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: <roseguei_g17@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: rose.1guei@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:11:14 +0900 (JST)
Subject: GREETING FROM MISS ROSE GUEI.
Dear one,
I am Miss Rose Guei, the only daughter of my late parents and Mr
Agogo Guei. My father was a highly reputable business magnate who
operated internationaly during his days. It is sad to say that he
passed away mysteriously in one of his business trips abroad on the
17th September 2004.
Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been
masterminded by an uncle of mine who travelled with him at that time.
But God knows the truth! My mother died when i was just 6yrs old, and
since then my father took me so special.
Before the death of my father on 17th September 2004, he called me and
informed me that he has the sum of Five million seven houndred
thousand united states dollars.USD($5.700,000)left in a Security
Company here in Cote d'Ivoire.He further told me that he deposited the
money in my name and also gave me all the necessary information and
the legal documents regarding to this deposit with the Security
Company.
I am just 21 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't
know what to do. now I want a honest God fearing partner overseas who
i can transfer this deposit with his assistance and after the
transaction I will come and reside permanently in your country till
such a time that it will be convenient for me to return back home if i
so desire.
This is because i have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of
incessant political crisis here in Cote d'ivoire.The death of my
father actually brought sorrow to my life. I also want to invest the
fund under your care because i am ignorant of business world.
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.
Your suggestion and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to
ask these few questions:
1. Can i completely trust you?
2. What percentage of the total amount will be good for you after the
deposit is delivered to your care?. Please consider these and get back
to me as soon as possible.
I will be expecting your swift reply on my privet email
(rose.1guei@yahoo.com)
Thanks and God bless you.
Yours Sincerely
Rose.
---------------------------------
Power up the Internet with Yahoo! Toolbar.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
