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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:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: James Deby <james_deby45@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:41:16 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From:James Helen
From:James Helen
Dearest One,
With due respect and humility I write you this letter which I believe you would be of great assistance to me.
I am James Helen. I want you to help me invest my money into a profitable business in your Country as my partner. My father was into real estate business for many years before he was assasinated from business trip.I will give you details once you reply my message. Please i will be glad for your help to invest in a profitable business in your country? If you agree, we shall both share the total annual profit.
I demand you treat this very confidential.. I will give you full details of the funds concerning the transfer as soon as I receive your response.
waiting for your sonnest respond
Most Regard
James Helen
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Anti-fraud resources:
