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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:
- "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Envoy Frank Dunhill" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <envoyfrankdunhll@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:37:32 +0100
Subject: Receive Your Long Awaited Package
Your Inheritance of US$17.5 Million has been approved for immediate delivery to you.
You were made the beneficiary of the funds by a benefactor whose details will be disclosed to you after you receive the Inheritance.
This is according to the Non Disclosure Agreement that was signed with the benefactor when he made you the beneficiary of the funds.
The delivery of your inheritance will be effected immediately you confirm the following information so that there will be no mistake during the course of the delivery.
1) Your Full Names:
2) Address :
3) Your Preferred Means of Identification (Passport or Driver's License)Attached
4) Occupation :Disabled/Retiered
5) Direct Telephone Number:
Your immediate response will facilitate the quick delivery of your inheritance to you
After verification of the information with what I have on file,I shall contact you so that we can make arrangements on the exact date I will be bringing your package to your residential address.
Due to the amount of money involved,it is necessary that you handle the transaction with utmost confidentiality and secrecy until you receive the package. Absolute Discretion should be your watchword.
Send the requested information so that we can proceed.
Regards
Envoy Frank Dunhill
Malaysia
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Anti-fraud resources:
