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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)
- "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.Donald Soglon" <mrdonaldsoglon@gmail.com>
Reply-To: d.soglon@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:46:05 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Hello My Dear Friend.
Hello My Dear Friend.
I am Mr.Donald Soglon an auditor in one of the Bank here in Republic of Benin Africa French Speaking Country, In the course of our 2012 second quater of the year routine audit of investment, ,I discovered that a personal account has been dormant for over nine years with a huge balance.The account holder is from your country,Since that nine years nobody has come to claim it that is why I am contacting you in order for us to put claim over the funds and share it together as a partner.
I need is your approval and we will file for an application for proceeds on your behalf.All necessary legal documents required will be provided.You shall be adequately compensated from the total sum of §6.4 Million Dollars for your part at end of this transaction which is 25%.
I shall however leave out the other details of this transaction till I receive an affirmation of your desire to participate with me to cliam this fund out from the bank.
If you wish to proceed with me you must send me the following informations:
Your full name,Contact numberMailing address
I look forward to hearing from you.
With warmest personal regards and best wishes,
Mr.Donald Soglon.
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