|
|
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:
- "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Ampah Abeeku" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ampaha_01@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2012 10:46:42 -0300
Subject: ALLUVIAL GOLD
ALLUVIAL GOLD DUST OFFER FOR SALES
ASABI SARL & COOPERATIVE are pleased to make this offer of AU
Metal Gold under the penalty of perjury and with full cooperate and legal responsibility to the following terms and conditions.
1. Product: AU Metal (Gold)
2. Origin: West Africa
3. Type: Alluvial Dust
4. Purity: 92%.
5. Carat or 22
5. Quantity: 100-kilos
6. Price: $33,500 per kg
PROCEDURES:
One representative of the buyer is suppose to come down to us for the inspection of our Gold. Or make plans for the Gold to be ship to his/her destination. We look forward to establishing a long lasting business relationship with you.
NOTE :In the event you do not buy gold, be kind enough to forward our contact email to a Gold Buyer. As our Agent we are ready to give 10% commission of the total purchase if you can connect us to a gold buyer.
I am expecting your reply soonest,
Thanks
Marketing Manager.
Mr. Ampah Abeeku
|
Anti-fraud resources:
