|
|
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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million 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)
- "urgent assistance" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Richard Azan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rechardazan@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:44:05 -0500
Subject: Greetings From Mr. Richard Azan in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
Dear Sir
I am enchanted using this tremendous opportunity to converse with you in this medium of communication. However i sincerely seek your very urgent assistance in the realizing of the transfer of US$9.5 million Dollars. I am Mr. Richard Azan, of the audit and inspection unit, in a reputable Bank here in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia In the course of our routine Auditing and Inspection of Bank records. I discovered a floating and dormant account with a credit balance of US$9.5 million. The said amount belonged to our former customer Engr. Martin Jones from the United States (now deceased) Engr. Martin Jones Died in a plane crash with his wife and two daughters.
Since his original next of kin, being his immediate family, died alongside him. I therefore as a matter of urgency seek your total co-operation to be presented as the next of kin to Engr. Martin Jones to enable my bank facilitate the transfer of the US$9.5 million to a Bank Account you will present.
I intend to resign my position as a banker and relocate to your Country in the near future. I would be very glad should you therefore confirm your willingness to assist in receiving this fund before my final departure to join you for the investment purpose
Kindly reply with the information below.
Full Name: __________________
Address: ___________________
Nationality: ___________________
Age: _______ ___________________
Occupation: _____________________
Phone:________________ Fax:___________________
Cell phone: ___________________________
Country of Origin: ____________________
You can kindly give me a call on this number Country code is +60-162581557.It will be a great pleasure to have you call me so that I can give you a verbal update regarding my proposal.
I am looking forward to hear from you as soon as possible.
Best Regards
Mr.Richard Azan
|
Anti-fraud resources:
