|
|
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:
- 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:
- "million united state dollars" (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)
- "million dollars" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
- 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.
- mariaahmed8@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs.Maria Ahmed" <frnndzrxnn@aol.com>
Reply-To: mariaahmed8@aol.com
Date: 12 Oct 2010 11:08:36 -0000
Subject: Greetings to you
I am the above named person from Kuwait. I am married to Dr.Nelson
Ahmed who worked with Kuwait embassy in Ivory Coast for nine years before he
died in the year 2008.We were married for eleven years without a child. He died
after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were
both born again Christians. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child
outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against.
When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of 25Million Dollars
(Twenty Five Million United State Dollars) with a Bank in
United Kingdom. Presently, This Money is still with the Security Company.
Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next three
months due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness.
Having known my condition I decided to donate this Fund to Charity or better
still a Christian individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to
instruct here in. I want a church that will use these funds to fund churches,
orphanages and widows propagating the word of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained.
The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I
took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband
relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's hard earned
money to be misused by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money
will be used in an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision.
I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in
the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that the lord will fight my
case and I shall hold my peace. I don't need any telephone communication in this
regard because of my health and because of the presence of my husband's relatives
around me always. I don't want them to know about this development. With God all
things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank in
United Kingdom.
I will also issue you letter of authority that will prove you as the
original-beneficiary of this Funds. I want you and the church to always
pray for me because the lord is my shepherd. My happiness is that I lived a
life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve
him in spirit and truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.
Any delay your reply will Give me room in sourcing for a church or
Christian individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that you
will act accordingly as I stated herein. Hoping to hearing from you.
I have set aside 20% for you and for your time and 10% for any expense if there is
any Remain blessed in the name of the Lord. Kindly send email to me with my private email address
Email: mariaahmed8@aol.com
Yours Faithfully,
Mrs.Maria Ahmed
|
Anti-fraud resources:
