|
|
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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Harry Mitchell" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <harrymitch15@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:33:54 +0100
Subject: Reprofiling of Funds
Dear sir/ Madam
My name is Harry Mitchell, a political retiree who is interested in establishing some capital investments within and outside our country,but with your assistance and expertise.
I shall offer you more details when I am in receipt of your acceptance/consent email.I shall also let you know the following
* How I will introduce you/your company to the holding bank and make you the beneficiary of the funds.
* Who I am and why I have decided to sought for your assistance.
*What percentage of the money I am willing to give you for your assistance.
Kindly respond with your private phone and fax numbers for easier and faster communication.
Harry Mitchell
|
Anti-fraud resources:
