|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Jim Martins" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jcmartins_7@yahoo.co.th>
Date: Tue, 4 Oct 2011 03:47:27 +0700
Subject: Re: Investment Proposal
Hello Friend,
First, I am soliciting your confidence in this transaction, this is by virtue of its nature as being confidential and private. Though I know that transaction of this nature and magnitude will make anyone apprehensive and worried because you did not know me before, and also due to the present volume of internet scam. I am assuring you that all will be fine at the end of the day. I have decided to contact you due to the urgency of this transaction, it is with trust and sincerity that I approach you for this transaction.
I am seeking your assistance in transferring certain amount of dollars to your personal or company bank account; for an oversea investments. Details of the funds will be forwarded as soon as I get your positive response to this request.
Note: Please do accept my apology if my mail infringes on your personal ethics.
Meanwhile i need you to re-assure me on the following;-
(1) Can you handle this project ?
(2) Can I give you this trust ?
(3) What will be your commission ?
I expect your urgent response if you can handle this project with your full details.
Best regards.
Jim Martins
|
Anti-fraud resources:
