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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:
- "united state of america" (this email uses bad English)
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- georgecrowda51@hotmail.fr (Hotmail, France; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Dr George Crowda <remondandason@postafiok.hu>
Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2013 20:38:45 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Re:Official Notification for your DRAFT CHEQUE.
Attention: Dear,
A pleasant day to you and your family,
I am very happy to inform you about my success in getting that fund transferred to United State of America through the assistance of a good friend. And Now I want you to thank God with me for save transfer of the fund is a great miracle happened to my life this year, I am so so happy.
I did not forget your past effort to assist me despite the fact that it failed us somehow so I kept some amount of money for you in my own appreciation of your efforts and this is compensation for you. I am now in UK, but will go to SOUTH CORRIA for Business and investment trip.
Now I want you to contact my secretary on this information below:
Name:MR.GEORGE CROWDA
Email:georgecrowda51@hotmail.fr
Contact him and ask him to send your a DRAFT Cheque I dropped with him on your name for you. The Draft contains the sum of Nine Hundred and fifty Thousand United States Dollars (US$950,000.00) only. I hope the sum will give you a new lease in life. I will communicate with you again when I am through with the projects in about 5 months time at most and come to meet with you in your country.i have instructed him on what to do to make sure you get the draft.
Best regards,
Dr.Remond Andason.
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Anti-fraud resources:
