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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "hundred thousand united states 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)
- "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
Fraud email example:
From: Kevin Seco <kevinseco17@rediffmail.com>
Date: Sat, 6 Jul 2013 11:56:43 +0100 (BST)
Subject: I need your help
Good day and peace be with you:
I am Kevin Seco Jnr 17 years old boy from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
I am writing you from republic of Cote d’Ivoire where I have been taking as refuge after the brutal murder of my parents during the war crisis in my country. I need your assistance to help me secure my inheritance deposited with a finance firm here in Abidjan valued about Five million four hundred thousand united states dollars deposited by my late Father before the war in my country, also like you to adopt me like your own family by getting me out from refugee camp here. I urge you to transfer this money to your country for good investment project as I’m willing to relocate to your country to further my education study for my good future: Please get back to me for more details.
Waiting for your reply.
Kevin Seco Jnr
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Anti-fraud resources:
