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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "necessary legal documents" (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. )
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- mrsdaw102@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: HMONG DAW <charlesakwara1@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: mrsdaw2011@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:06:16 +0100 (BST)
Subject: URGENT FUNDS DONATION.
Dear Friend.
I am the above named person, who is now undergoing medical treatment; I was married to late Mr. Vikrom Daw who worked in the United Kingdom for Nine years. We were married for Twenty four years without a child and my late husband Mr. Vikrom Daw died on the 15th March 2008 at a hospital in Central London after a brief illness that lasted for only four Days. I decided not to re-marry or get a Child outside my matrimonial home, because as a good Christian my religion is against it says the Bible and I lived a happy and good Christian life with my late husband. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $450.000.00 Four Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars with one Finance house Presently in Bangkok Thailand. I have been in the hospital for eight months suffering from breast cancer. The 1st surgery has been conducted and I lost one of my breast and still have the pains that makes me crying every day and night looking up to God to save my life.
Recently my Doctor told me that another surgery will be conducted and I may not survive it because, the cancer has grown to bad. Having known my condition, I decided to donate the $450.000.00 Four Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars my late husband deposited with a Bank here in Bangkok Thailand to a charity and the less privilege organization through your help. For Example the Orphan, Old people’s home and also to the homeless I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit these Funds. I want you to always pray for me as I h ave no life again says my doctor. It will be my pleasure to receive your sincere response and promise that you will carry out this task as a good Samaritan and to the glory of GOD. I will direct you to my late husband attorney who will help you to secure the necessary legal documents for the $450.000.00 Four Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars to be transferred to you and I want you to assure me that
you will use this funds judiciously.
I am waiting for your response to my humble request.
Mrs. Hmong Daw.
Email me on: mrsdaw102@hotmail.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
