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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 us 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr David" (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 5 Sep 2011 22:59:32 +0100
Subject: This is Mr David
Dear Sir
I am Mr. David Ridge the Director of project. Implementation with Eskom
South Africa and a member of contract tenders board (CTB) of the above
corporation .We have already extracted a total amount of US$25.5M
from various contracts awarded by corporation. Through over invoicing of contracts awarded by some top officials.
Against this background we are seeking your indulgence to respond to us indicating if you are capable and wiling to partner with us in the investment of Twenty Five Million US Dollars, in a covert expedient and confidential manner. You will be entitled to some percentage to be agreed upon as we progress.
Your swift response will be appreciated, and we will like you to include a brief profile of yourself family or business, along with your complete contact information in your response.
Thanks
Mr. David Ridge
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Anti-fraud resources:
