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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:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "hundred thousand us 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)
- "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found 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: Mrs Cyline Diallo <nouradiallo3@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <nouradiallo1@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:33:35 +0100
Subject: In brief I am Mrs. CYLINE DIALLO !!!
--
Dearest One,
I was privileged to come across your contact through my personal check
with your country Investment Portal and I decided that I should
establish a
communication with you to acquiring some information on lucrative
investment or establishment in your country.
l will like to introducing myself to you, In brief I am Mrs. CYLINE
DIALLO
a widow with a cancer of the lungs and breast from Ivory Coast,
I will be waiting for your reply to the mail i sent to you in regard to
the retrieve of the fund, which in your help i will offer you 20% of
the
total US.8m dollars. (Sixteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand US
dollars).
The fund US.8m dollars. (Sixteen Million eight hundred thousand US
dollars) is intended to be invested by you in any kind of business that
you
know it will be profitable and benefitable for both of us.
Please let me know if you are willing to assist me and my only daughter
NOURA DIALLO who is 16 years old; indicate your interest in replying
soonest what your response will be to the retrieve of the
(US.800.000.00).
Now permit me to ask these few questions: -
1. Can I completely trust you?
2. Promise not to sit on my money when reaches your country?
Consider this and get back to me immediately for further explanation
and
conversation on how we will proceed.
Awaiting your immediate response if only you are with me.
Thanks and best regards.
Mrs. CYLINE DIALLO
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Anti-fraud resources:
