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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:
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "barr.paulrobert@live.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: Paul Robert <paulrobertatlaw@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: barr.paulrobert@live.com
Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:58:49 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU
Dear Sir,
I am seeking your assistance to invest my late clients daughter inheritance in business in your country. The main aims of contacting you are to assist my late clients daughter in few ways
(1) to assist her transfer her inheritance to your account/Country. If possible you can set up a special account in your name. After the fund has been transferred to your account she will come to your country to continue her education.
(2)To help her have a stay in your country when she comes over to stay with you and continue her education.
(3) to help her manage the investment until she is old enough to handle it. Upon your response I will give you all the details and procedures on how to go about this investment.
I can guarantee that all activities will be handled in accordance with the law.
I would like to let you know that she is willing to give you 15% of the total amount for your assistance.Before the processing of this investment, I will introduce you to her to enable both of you establish communication for better understanding.
Your immediate response will be highly appreciated.
Best regard,
Barrister Paul Roberts.Email: barr.paulrobert@live.com
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Anti-fraud resources:
