|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: James Mack <jamesmacknolly@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2012 00:36:16 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: message from James Mack
My Dear Good Friend,
I know that this mail will come to you as a surprise since we haven't known or come across each other before considering the fact that I sourced your email contact through the Internet in search of trusted person who can assist me.
My name is Sgt. James Mack, a UK Soldier with NATO peace keeping troops deployed in Libya and I discovered $120 Million in Libya which l have managed to deposit with a Financial Institution for safe keeping, so l am interested to invest this money in your company or in any profitable business venture in your area.
After the transaction, you will be compensated with 40% of the money for your support toward the successful execution of this project.
Please kindly respond immediately so that I will give you more information on how we can proceed with this project.
Best Regards.
Yours Sincerely,
Sgt. James Mack
|
Anti-fraud resources:
