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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:
- "my names are " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- vresiadu@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Haruna A. Mensah" <alfredmens9@citromail.hu>
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 03:09:59 CET
Subject: PLS READ YOUR MAIL
Dear One,
My names are Mr. Haruna V. Asiedu, working as Head of the funds
disbursement in a known institution here in Accra, Republic of Ghana. I
have a Business deal in my Department valued Millions, but needed a
foreign person to lay claim to it with my directives.
I would be glad to provide more elaborate details about this business
if you are willing to partner with me and provide me with your private
telephone and email address so I can email or call you for more
detailed information. But must first all assure me the safety and
secrecy of this deal due to my position in my office. There are
practically no risk involved in this as the steps to claim the fund
shall be legally followed. Every strategy to make this deal a success
has been mapped out. Kindly reach me immediately for adequate briefing.
Truly yours
Mr. Haruna V. Asiedu.
Email: vresiadu@hotmail.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
