|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "mariam abacha" (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: "Hajia Mariam Abacha." (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 2 May 2013 04:43:57 -0700
Subject: Do Revert Back Please
Dear Friend.
My late husband deposited the sum of $4.5million dollar in a swiss
security firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open
communication so please send down your phone/Fax Number.
I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into
your account for safe keeping. This arrangement is known to you and my
son Mustapha alone, I asure you 20% of this fund,10% have being set
for expenses by both parties incure during the transactions,please send
your telephone and fax number.
Please honesty is the watch word in this transaction, I will greatly
appreciate if you accept my proposal in good faith.
Sincerely yours.
Hajia Mariam Abacha.
02 May, 2013.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
