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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:
- "affidavit of claim" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: david morgan <davidmorgan1003@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:42:47 +0000
Subject: Attention: Beneficiary, from Kotoka Airport Authority
Attn: Mr. VICTIMNAME,
Your quest the receipt of
your mail have been forwarded to the Cargo and handing department to
preside over the issue before shipment measure will be expedited. In
order to facilitate the shipment of this merchandise we have employed
the services of an international agent who came all the way from
Australia because of this issue. ( YOU CAN CALL HIM IF YOU WANT TO
CONFIRM THIS MR. HAWARD JAMES + 61 280057256 , HE IS DOING THIS IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMON WEALTH BANK AS A PARTNER)
In
order expedite this measure you need to furnish us with your detail
information....
1) Your home and office address
2) Your
home and office telephone lines
3) Lastly do let us have a scan
copy of either your driving license or identity card.
As soon as
you furnish us with these detail information we shall proceed to the
high court of justice on your behalf to procure and affidavit of claim
in your name and immediately shipment will commence.
We shall be
looking forward to your quick response.
Best regard,
David
Morgan Office land line +233 21 924 183.
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Anti-fraud resources:
