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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "please indicate your willingness" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Mohammed Bello <mohammed_bello50@hotmail.fr>
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:35:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF MR.MOHAMMED BELLO
FROM THE DESK OF MR.MOHAMMED BELLO
BANK OF AFRICA (B.O.A )
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Attn: Sir/ Madam,
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This message might meet you in utmost surprise. However, it’s just my urgent need for foreign partner that made me to contact you for this transaction. I assured of your capability and reliability to champion this business opportunity when I prayed to Allah about you.
I am a banker by profession with bank of africa, BURKINA-FASO, WEST AFRICA and currently holding the post of bill and exchange manager in our bank. I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds ($15 Million U.S.Dollars) belong to DR GEORGE BRUMLEY from AMERICA who died along with his entire family in the kenya airways.
Hence; I am inviting you for a business deal where this money can be shared between us in the ratio of 50/50 if you agree to my business proposal. Further details of the transfer will be forwarded to you as soon as I receive your mail immediately. Please indicate your willingness by sending the below information for more clarification and easy communication.
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(1) YOUR FULL NAME
(2) YOUR CONTACT ADDRESS
(3) YOUR TEL AND FAX NUMBER
(4) AGE
Trusting to hear from you immediately.
Thanks & Best Regards,
 Mr Mohammed Bello.
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Anti-fraud resources:
