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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:
- 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:
- "tax clearance" (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. )
- "clearance receipt" (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. )
- "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)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "tax clearance" (Tax offices mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. Even after you pay their fake tax demands you will still not receive the non-existent funds you have been promised. )
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: "Alfred Zongo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <alfredzongo01@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:30:30 -0700
Subject: YOUR CONSIGNMENT HAS BEEN APROVED
ATTN....
Mr Silvergrace Elf
Sir/Madam,
I write to inform you of the latest information received from the office of the chairman AU. (AFRICAN UNION).
Your CONSIGNMENT has been approved for immediate release .However we
have not heard from you for so long and cannot release payment to anyone on your behalf without receiving orders from you in form of a power of attorney authorising such.
First and foremost i must not fail to inform you that someone in the name Mr Darla Myers has indicated you have authorised him to receive CONSIGNMENT on your behalf.
Please confirm this and do advise us on what to do.This should also have legal backings like a power of attorney and a written order duely signed by you.
You are advised to confirm to us your prefered mode of DELIVERY.We offer delivery in the following forms...
COURIER
This can be delivered to you via a reputable courier service life DHL, FEDEX OR DIPLOMATIC MEANS.Beneficiary will be responsible for courier charge , tax and all forms of VAT.
PERSONAL PICKUP
You will have to appear in person with the neccessary documents for pick up.Pickup address is lion building Asrican union office Ikoyi Lagos.
Whichever of the 2 above mentioned options is prefered should be indicated in your response.You are advised to forward or reconfirm to us via email the following information.
Names in full
current mailing /office address
present telephone numbers proper id (international drivers lisence or passport) Fax if any
a copy of an upto date tax clearance receipt/certificate
All these information should be forwarded to our legal department for confirmation .As soon as your information is sent in , you will be contacted by our lawyer with details of our working procedures.
We sincerely apologise for any form of delay / inconviniences in the past .Thanks for your patience and your honesty .
Sincere Regards,
Mr Afred Zongo
Director public relations and international remmittance African Union.
+234-805-883-695
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