|
|
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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "sam young" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <sam.young90@live.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2009 17:33:06 +0100
Subject: Beneficiary Needed
Compliment of the season daddy
How are your family and your work? I hope all is well. I deem it so necessary to introduce myself to enable you ascertain my personal and family status. daddy I am SAM YOUNG the son of the late former minister of petroleum in SATOME, who was drop out of office because of the political crisis in SATOME.
And right now I am GHANA with 2 trunks box of CONSIGNMENT that contain $15 million USD. And presently my consignment box is with me in my hotel room were i lodge the.
name of the hotel is Sharon hotel limited located at no o5 spintex road GHANA.
in a search for a trustworthy and GOD fearing person. I got your contact from an old lady in KUMASI refugee camp in GHANA .
A Christian mother from the refugee camp in GHANA.so I was able to get back your e_mail only because I can’t find the old lady who gave me your contact After my continues dreams to contact the old lady for an assistance. I think this is a divine call from GOD, for my long awaiting desire to step out of the sentimental shore of Africa .I am very confident that together with you with divine touch from GOD, will can always make it most especially.
Now that I have found out the true source for a perfect delivery to a beneficiary with out security problem.
Sir I must tell you the truth, a successful delivery to your door step. Because I was with the key to my trunks box of my consignment Because my monthly is clean and spend able
life cash Waiting to hear from you as quick as possible sir.
Please sir. Treat this latter with a great touch from your heart as GOD has chosen you for my break through, not latter than one week you will receive my consignment in good faith.
Best Wishes to you sir daddy
from your son
sam young
|
Anti-fraud resources:
