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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:
- "loan amount" (Beware of fake loan offers. Real lenders would not normally use free webmail addresses such as Yahoo, nor would they lend to individuals or small businesses in a different country from where they are based. Beware of mobile phones or redirector numbers!)
- "your loan " (Beware of fake loan offers. Real lenders would not normally use free webmail addresses such as Yahoo, nor would they lend to individuals or small businesses in a different country from where they are based. Beware of mobile phones or redirector numbers!)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "International Loan Office" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <un110@qatar.io>
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 06:02:00 +0100
Subject: Dear Customer, Apply For a Loan
Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting.
We want you to know ,you are guaranteed a swift and good service,our
goal is to satisfy your every want as far as finance is concerned.
From application to funding is within 24hrs.
To get started you will need to formally apply by providing the
information requested for.
Thank you for contacting have a wonderful day.
PERSONAL DATA
First Name
Middle Name.
Last Name.
Residential Address.
Telephone Number.(mobile/land).
Loan Amount.
Loan Duration.
Occupation.
Position.
Date Of Birth.
Name of Next of Kin.(Full Name).
Residential Address Of Next Of Kin.
Telephone Number Of Next Of Kin.
Please provide the correct details so we can proceed in your loan transaction.
Your satisfaction is our utmost concern.
Your details are expected.
Thank you.
Mr john smith
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Anti-fraud resources: