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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Mr Javed Gogo <javedgogo2@blumail.org>
Reply-To: javedgogoo@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:54:11 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Greetings Dear Friend.
Greetings Dear Friend.
I am Mr Javed Gogo, Staff of Bank Of Africa in Burkina Faso . I would like you to indicate your interest to receive the transfer of ($10.5 Million Dollars) I would like you to stand as the next of kin to my late client whose account is presently dormant for claims. if you are interested, indicate your interest and i will intimate you with the method of application and how you can apply to the bank .
But before i will proceed with you i would like you to send me the following details.Â
1.NAME IN FULL:................................
2.ADDRESS:.....................................
3.NATIONALITY:.................................
4.AGE:.........................................
5.SEX..........................................
6.OCCUPATION:..................................
7.MARITAL STATUS:..............................
8.PRIVATE PHONE NO.............................
However these above requested information’s is what will warrant me to proceed furtherwith you for easy communication.Take note Upon the receipt of your reply, Iwould send you another email with details about this transaction note that this transaction is hitch-free and that you should not entertain any atom of fear asall required arrangement have been made for the transfer. You should contact me immediately as soon as you receive this mail, if only you are interested and ready to assist. I am Trusting to hear from you immediately.
Best Regards,
Mr Javed Gogo
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Anti-fraud resources:
