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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:
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "liberia" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Luis Eduardo Rozo Caceres." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ronaldpaul007@rogers.com>
Date: Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:06:59 +0100
Subject: Investment proposal.
Dear Sir,
I am Mr. Luis Eduardo Rozo Caceres, a Terminal Supervisory Chairman of Sea Ports of Liberia country. I have worked for many years but now I want to apply for my resignation letter for further investment with my wealth overseas. I am interested in business investments in a foreign country. The reason for this correspondence is to seek your advise on areas of business investments in your country where I can invest or utilize my money on for profit making. The amount involved is Twelve Million U.S Dollars {USD$12M.} only and I need your advice in time so that I can make necessary arrangements to move:transfer the money (capital) to you before my arrival in your country for further discussions and investments. Tell me about yourself, business and family.and give me Your mobile number so i can reach you immediately
Please acknowledge the receipt of this proposal and indicate your willingness and readiness to assist me receive the fund in your country on my behalf. I am ready to offer you 20% of the total amount if the business investment capital is successfully transferred to you. Thanks for your understanding.
I await your urgent response,
Best regards,
Luis Eduardo Rozo Caceres.
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Anti-fraud resources:
