|
|
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:
- "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- 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.
- mrsmonicawills001@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Monica Williams
Reply-To: mrsmonicawills001@hotmail.com
Date: 28 Oct 2012 05:05:43 -0400
Subject: PLEASE READ AND RESPOND
My Dearest one,
I am Mrs Monica Williams from Rep. Benin. I was married to
Manfred the CEO Veekrol Link Benin Sarl, a seasoned contractor In
West African Region. Before he died in the year 2002. We were
married for eleven years without a child. He died after a Brief
illness. After his Death I decided not to re-marry or get a child
outside my matrimonial home. When my late husband was alive, he
deposited the sum of $4.6 Million USD in an international Bank.
My Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Three months
Due to cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to
donate these funds to better the lives of the less privileged. I
need honest and trust worthy individual that will utilize this
Money in accordance With my instructions want the funds to be
used in funding religious Organizations, Orphanages and less
privileged propagating the word of God.
I took this decision because I don't have any child That will
inherit this money and my husband relatives are very unkind to Me
and I don't Want my husbands hard-earned money to be misused. I
am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that
I Am going to be in the bosom of the Lord.
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the Contact of
my Barrister who will assist you legally. For legitimacy, I will
also Issue you the Deposit Certificate that will empower you as
the original-Beneficiary of this fund. I want you to always pray
for me, any delay in your Reply will give me room in sourcing for
another individual for this same purpose.
Note: I will like you to get back to me on this E-mail address
mrsmonicawills001@hotmail.com
Thanks
Yours sincerely
MRS MONICA WILLIAMS.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
