|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "to your nominated bank account" (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)
- "dear beneficiary," (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.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: Klugh Hans <mariamkkoffice@yahoo.it>
Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 10:27:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: WILL FUNDS
Dear Beneficiary,
I am Kl ugh Hans an attorney to late Mrs.Enrica cornily who died a year ago.
However, Before my client died she wrote her WILL as she had no children so she WILLED her house to the orphanage home and SHE WILLED HER LIFE SAVINGS FUND TO YOU been her relative. Since she died the bank and I have been trying to contact you but all effort we made proved abortive but I thank God that I finally found where I kept your email address which she gave to me. Note I do not know you before but am courageous to contact you as directed.
Anyway, I want to inform you that this fund deposited on your name is due for collection and you are required to contact me so that I can present you and the claim papers to the paying bank for immediate transfer of your fund to your nominated bank account.
The entire claim papers associated to this deposit valued for US$2.5 Million, is ready and it is with me.
Call me for your claims or email me back so the Bank will process the claims as directed by the Bank.
Best Regards
Kl ugh Hans Esq
|
Anti-fraud resources:
