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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:
- "million united state 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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- 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.
- upscourierservic@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Robin David." <demo@kenindia.com>
Reply-To: "MRS. ROBIN DAVID" <upscourierservic@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:13:02 +0300 (EAT)
Subject: HELLO DEAR
Dear Partner,
I am writing to inform you that i have register your ATM VISA CARD VALUED $2.4million united state dollars, with the UNITED PARCELS SERVICES COMPANY. (UPS) the Issued Bank said that you can not withdraw more than $8,700 everyday, which will be more convenience. you will see the rest information when you receive the CARD. The delivery charges have been paid but i did not pay their Tax/ Stamp fees as i am short of cash. That is reason why i did not pay for it.
The cost $96.00 dollars only. This is the only money you will pay them as i have paid for every other charge. I want you to contact them now And ask them when they will deliver your ATM VISA CARD PACKAGE. Also remember to ask them for your package tracking numbers.
Contact Person is Dr.Terry Johnson
EMAIL:( upscourierservic@hotmail.com )
This are the information you needed to forward to UPS for easy delivery of your CARD.
1.YOUR FULL NAME__
2.YOUR HOME ADDRESS_
3.OFFICE PHONE AND CELL NUMBER__
4.YOUR AGE/SEX__
5.YOUR COUNTRY__
Do contact me back immediately you receive this your package. as i have gone back to my country with my own share. Because my wife and children
wants me back home.
Best Regard
MRS. Robin David,
Kenindia Assurance
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Anti-fraud resources:
