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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:
- "into 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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- 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: Chai Son <makajo@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: maletemalete@aol.com
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2011 10:46:00 +0100
Subject: Attention:
Attention:
I have receive instruction from Mrs.NUEL PETERS presently in sick bed to represent her interest in the release of a cash totaling Eight Million Five hundred thousand Dollars for charity work mission.
I want to inform you that all the modalities have been put in place for a smooth and effective transfer of the said funds to you in your country for the work of charity, so please be rest assured that your safety and that of all the individuals involved in this transaction is fully guaranteed by my law firm.
I have set up arrangements with the office as regards the release of the said funds in your names. Note that I have also commenced the arrangement of all the necessaries and legal documents that will back up the claiming and release of the funds to you as the Nominee beneficiary to Mrs. Grace Adara.
In order to proceed with the processing of the funds release to you, you are required to kindly forward to my office, the below information immediately.
The below information will be used to represent you as the beneficiary to Mrs.NUEL PETERS:
1. Full Name
2. Contact Address
3. Phone Numbers
4. Occupation
5. Marital Status
On the receipt of the above information; I shall proceed further in presenting you as the next beneficiary of the funds. And With this arrangements and plan on ground, the Bank will approve your application with immediate effect and further the release and transfer of the said funds to you through delivery officer in your country or into your nominated bank account in your country.
However, I would not like you to betray the trust that I and Mrs. Grace Adara has put on you. Have in mind that I am promising you full support in achieving this task at hand.
Regards
Cordially
Barrister.ZIK MOOR
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