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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:
- "fund beneficiary" (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)
- "deadline" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "CHARLES STANLEY" <charlesstanley000101@gmail.com> (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:33:22 +0530 (IST)
Subject: Graham Update
Dear fund beneficiary,
This is in regard to the pending Graham Robert fund that was suppose to
expire on the 20th of December according to the High Court but I filed a
complaint to them and they agreed to extend the date to January because of
the festivities (Christmas and New Year) because they understand that you
must have spent much on your family this period and that must have taken
your money because you need to prepare your family for the season.
I am glad to inform you that they have extended the date, you are to do
your best by raisings the money before the deadline in January, I advise
that you do your best possible in raising the required amount.
I await your response to this email as soon as possible.
Have a nice day.
Charles Stanley.
Dear fund beneficiary,
This is in regard to the pending Graham Robert fund that was suppose to
expire on the 20th of December according to the High Court but I filed a
complaint to them and they agreed to extend the date to January because of
the festivities (Christmas and New Year) because they understand that you
must have spent much on your family this period and that must have taken
your money because you need to prepare your family for the season.
I am glad to inform you that they have extended the date, you are to do
your best by raisings the money before the deadline in January, I advise
that you do your best possible in raising the required amount.
I await your response to this email as soon as possible.
Have a nice day.
Charles Stanley.
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Anti-fraud resources:
