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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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Tolu Williams" <roesdontius@yahoo.ca>
Reply-To: fbidptoffice@rocketmail.com
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2013 03:25:48 -0800 (PST)
Subject: DATE: 09-02-2013 THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED!!!!!!!!!!
DATE: 09-02-2013 THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN CORRECTED!!!!!!!!!!
Â
Dear Friend,
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Am very happy to write this message to all of our dear contractors who has not received they *Funds* till now because of deception, but I knew that you will not find it much uncomplicated to deem me. Firstly, am former (PA) to Senate President year *1992* and till now you have not receive your Fund because yesterday I ask the present (PA) to Senate President to give me the list of those Contractors that has not yet been paid from 1992 to 2013 and you was among that is the reason why am writing this letter to you to let you know that you will receive your Fund.
Â
Please below is what I need from you to proceed immediately.
Â
(1) Your Full Name
(2) You’re correct Home Address.
(3) Your telephone number.
Â
Finally, all this is what I need from you and bear it in mind that I will be coming to your home address to delivery your Bank Draft immediately. I want you to know that what you will pay is only $255 to obtain your (Presidential Immunity Stamp)to put on the envelope where your Bank Draft has been package, to avoid customs stopping it. I knew that you have spent a lot of money. But I promise you that you most receive your Bank Draft from me.
Â
Am waiting for your urgent respond.
Â
Thanks.
Mr. Tolu Williams.
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Anti-fraud resources:
