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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:
- "huge amount of money" (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)
- "my names are " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a next of kin 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.
- acs1996@rediffmail.com (Rediffmail, India; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Ya Ao <aor1996@y7mail.com>
Reply-To: acs96@rediffmail.com
Date: Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:49:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: JVPP INQUIRY FROM YOU
Sir,
Â
Greetings!!
Â
Permit me to write you this joint venture partnership
request through this medium. My names are Dr Owusu A Menash.
Â
I have accumulated over the years huge amount of money
reserved in escrow account "FLOATING" and it is my desire to invest
it with you in your country under your management.I accumulated the fund
through interest of an abandoned late customers account from your country whose
surname is similar to yours. My office made several attempts through embassy to
locate his supposed next of kin to no avail hence when i saw your name
resembling his i decided to contact you so that you can stand as one to receive
the fund hence the late customer is from your country.
Â
The late customer was died in ghastly motor accident and he
was into precious minerals ( gold and diamond) and cocoa business and was
wealthy. The amount involve is €2,750,000.00 ( Two million,seven hundred and
fifty euros)In the meantime, may i ell you that the transaction is bank to bank
transaction.
Â
If this partnership request is acceptable to you, kindly let
me know with your details to enable me tell you more and how to actualise the
transaction. NOTE: the business is between you and myself and caution should be
the watch-word.
Â
Â
Have a nice day while waiting for your positive reply.
Â
Dr Owusu Menash
Tel: +233 244 621738
Reply To:acs1996@rediffmail.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
