|
|
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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "i got your address from " (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Amy Lenz <amylenz74@yahoo.com.au>
Reply-To: amylenz01@yahoo.it
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:43:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: GET BACK TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Compliments of the season Dear Friend,
My name is Mrs. Amy Lenz. currently working with Gustavson Oil & Gas Company here in Benin Rep. You may be surprised to receive this letter from me. I got your address from an internet web site. After due consideration from your profile, I became aware and assured of your credibility to handle this business with me in partnership basis. I have a business worth of Sixty Five Million Seven Hundred Thousands ($65,700,000.00 usd ) to discuase with you and I need your assistance in executing this business from my country and investing in your country.
I will offer you 30% of the investment after conclusion. As you may need to know I am a civil servant. Please get back tome as soon as you read this mail with the fellowing requirements so that I can furnish you more with a clear details.
(1) Your complete Name.
(2) Your contact Phone numbers. ( for easy communication )
(3) Your contact Address. Regards,
Mrs. Amy Lenz
__________________________________________________________________________________
See what's on at the movies in your area. Find out now: http://au.movies.yahoo.com/session-times/
|
Anti-fraud resources:
