|
|
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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "the 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)
- "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)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Katherine Aduk <katherine.aduk3@btinternet.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:07:19 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: My dear!
My Dear Friend,
I am reaching you by faith,I need your help to retrived the consignment that my late Father deposited with a security company.I am Miss Katherine Aduk, the only daughter of late Mr and Mrs Robert Aduk. I am in position of US$4.5 Million which I inherited from my late father, I want you to help me receive the money in your country also help me to continue my studies. I will offer you 20% for your kind assistance to me. Please reply soon for more details.
Best Regards,
Miss Katherine Aduk.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
