|
|
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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "investmentloan@hotmail.com" (This email address looks like addresses used in fake loan scams. Be suspicious of any lender who uses a free webmail address or who is based in different country from yourself.)
- 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.
- investmentloan@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Lapo Loan Investment Company" <investmentloan@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Oct 2012 05:47:19 +0200
Subject: loan apply now
We the Lapo Loan Investment Company United Kingdom,invite you to partner
with us and benefit in our new Loan and Project funding program. We offer
flexible loans and funding for various projects by passing the usual
rigorous procedures.This Funding program allows a client to enjoy low
interest payback for as low as 2 - 3% per annual for a period of 8-7 years.
We can approve a loan/funding for up to USD 500,000,000.00 or more depending
on the nature of business. We are currently funding for:
* Starting up a Franchise
* Business Acquisition
* Business Expansion
* Commercial Real Estate purchase
* Contract Execution
We are open to having a good business relationship with you. If you think
you have a solid background and idea of making good profit in any venture,
please do not hesitate to contact us for possible business co-operation.
smith paul
Sincerely
Lapo Loan Investment Company
contact email address: investmentloan@hotmail.com
|
Anti-fraud resources: