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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million united states 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)
- "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal trying to scam you - arrests of online criminals are rare)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Michael Savimbi <mmariodaniels@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2011 04:51:47 +0545
Subject: attention
Dear Sir:
I write to solicit for your utmost assistance on a business proposal that would be of immense benefit to both of us involved. I got your contact information while making inquiries through a business Trade Journal for investment purpose in your country. Permit me to introduce myself.
I am Mr. Michael Savimbi, Personal assistant to the late Angolan rebel leader Mr. Jonas Savimbi of Unita Rebels in Angola. I was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Republic of GHANA to purchase arms and ammunition worth US$ 5 Million (Five Million United States Dollars) and the money was properly arranged and delivered to GHANA by diplomatic itineraries, a border post monitored by our rebel group.
This money in the diplomatic luggage was deposited in a security and finance company here in GHANA for safety reasons and I intend to invest this money in a business that could generate an income for me, as I am no more in service to anybody.
I decided to contact you to stand as a foreign partner to provide an account where I will lodge this money into as the beneficiary. If you are interested in helping me with this transfer, I am offering you 25% of the total money and 70% is for me while 5% will be for any expenses that could be made in the course of this transaction. There is no risk involved; as I have made every necessary arrangement for a successful transfer of this money.
Thanks while expecting your reply
Best regards,
Mr. Michael Savimbi.
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Anti-fraud resources:
