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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:
- "huge amount of money" (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)
- "million us 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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "GEOFFREY MILLER" <GEOFFREYMILLER2000@bdbiz.net>
Reply-To: geoffreymiller2000@outlook.com
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 2013 22:57:57 +0600 (BDT)
Subject: FROM GEOFFREY MILLER
Hello,
It is a matter of urgency and great importance that i have to contact
you,because i believe we can partner together in this transaction to
achieve future success.
I'm Geoffrey Miller of the US-NATO COALITION troops on peace keeping
mission here in Afghanistan due to ongoing crisis.
I have now in my possession the sum of $2.7 million USD, which I got as my
own share from the safe box we recovered during one of our rescue
missions.
It happened that during one of our rescue mission we came across a safe
box containing huge amount of money that belongs to the revolutionaries,
which we believe they use it in buying weapons and ammunition's, and it
was agreed by all parties at present that the money will be shared among
us. Out of the total fund my share is $2.7 million us dollars. I am
seeking your assistance to help me received my share of the money as i
do not know how long we will remain here in Afghanistan for the rescue of
war.I am willing to give you 40% of the total sum as soon as you received
the box in your safe custody while 60% shall be for me.
I confide strictly in you and appeal that you keep this to yourself.The
moment i confirm your interest and your positive reply i will give you
further detailed information's regarding delivery.Your urgent reply will
be highly appreciated. I wait to hear from you soonest.
Very sincerely,
Geoffrey Miller.
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