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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:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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)
- "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs.Maria Jecobs" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <olu_aganga1@mailaton.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 17:33:38 -0000
Subject: IN GOD WE TRUST!
From Mr. Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga (Segun)
The Minister of Finance Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Tel: 234-708-840-8001
RE: OUTSTANDING INHERITANCE PAYMENT.Ref: CBN/OHG/OXD1/2011
Attn:Beneficiary,
Definately,The central bank of Nigeria is contacting you now based on the foreign dept meeting held in the Presidential; Office last week in regards to your due outstanding BENEFICIARIES fund due for payment with the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with the western union Africa. I Wish to Inform You That Your Payment Have being processed and will be Released To You As Soon As You Respond To This Letter. Also note that from Records in My File Your Outstanding Contract inheritance Payment. Part payment of $10.5Million Dollars will be paid to you.
To this end, you are required to indicate your mode of payment.
1)BY TELEGRPHIC TELEX TRANSFER
2)BY CASH DELIVERY TO YOUR DOOR STEP
3)BY CERTIFIED BANK DRAFT
4)BY CERTIFIED ATM CARD
Please fill out the space below and forward back to me without delay.
1} Your Full Name
2} Your Phone and Fax Numbers
3} Your Company Address and Position
4} Your Marital Status, Profession and Age.
5} Your receiving bank details.
As soon as this informations are received, your approve payment will be made to you in a smooth wire transfer from this Bank Group Nigeria via their Online mode of transfer to you, Your urgent answer is needed.
Yours In Service
Mr. Olusegun Olutoyin Aganga (Segun)
The Minister of Finance Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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