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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.
- 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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "the 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)
- "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)
- 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.
- musuekiten@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: MUSUE KITENGE EMILE <mr.andrew-wolley@att.net>
Reply-To: musuekiten@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:10:30 -0800 (PST)
Subject: PLEASE COME TO MY RESCUE, URGENT
Dear Sir,
My name is MUSUE KITENGE EMILE, the first son of SIR. KITENGE EMILE, a retired soldier and later a diamond merchant who was killed by rebels.from Congo DR but now in Accra-Ghana. I tried to call you on telephone yesterday as to inform you that I have consignment now in KOTOKA International Airport Accra-Ghana amounting US $ 7.5 million USA Dollars due for delivery.
Nobody is aware of the original content of the box except you and i. I will like you to give me your contact address for delivery by diplomatic means.
I have concluded arrangement with a Special Assistant who works With THE Presidency who will deliver the consignment.I will offer you 25% of the total amount as compensation and also invest the rest money in your country.
Awaiting to hear from you soonest for your contact.
Thanks for your understanding.
My Private E-add: musuekiten@gmail.com
Kindly call me on receipt of this mail as it is very urgent.
Yours sincerely,
MUSUE EMILE KITENGE
+233 265 909621
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Anti-fraud resources:
