|
|
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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "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)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
- 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.
- jpeter3866@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "James Peter." <jpeters3866@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: jpeter3866@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:48:52 -0200 (GMT+2)
Subject: I m searching for an investor!!
From: James Peters
BP 3179 Sekondi -Ghana-West Africa.
Top Urgent/Confidential.
Hi Confidant,
I am James Peters. I m searching for an investor that will help me invest
my inheritance. The statistics shows that the
Economy of your country is getting better and will be more profitable in
few years to come.
I Inherited US$19.5 Million dollars with 7 KG GOLD BAR from my late father
which I want to invest in a lucrative business
venture in your country.
This money was released from the alluvial gold dust sold when my father
was the Chief of Western Region of Ghana before he
was assassinated by some unknown enemies.
I urge that you help me to transfer this fund to your country for
investment purposes on the followings below:
1). Telecommunication
2). Real Estate/Five star hotel
Your main responsibility is to ensure the total evacuation of the funds
from Ghana where it is secured at the moment. Upon
your arrival in Ghana we have a conservative estimate of 2-3 working days
for all vital consultations and actualization, and
accompanying deeds.
I don´t want them to know about this development since they has sized my
late father's land properties’ will appreciate
whatever result you may brief me. Do let me know your idea and knowledge
regarding this or any other profitable investment
venture you may suggest. My relatives around me always. I will be pleased
to offer to you 25% /5% set aside for any expense
of the total fund for your kind assistance.
If Interested, please send to me full contact address private phone number
and a scanned copy of your international passport
to enable me send you an invitation letter for you to secure an entry visa
to Ghana from our Embassy in your country. As soon
as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Security
Company here in Ghana so that you will open a contact
with them.
Finally, I will like to know what you do for a living so that I can be
able to know if your work is going to allow you to
handle this project that I am committing into your hand to the glory of God.
Thank you and God bless you.
Sincerely,
James Peter.
jpeter3866@hotmail.com
|
Anti-fraud resources:
