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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned 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: "Honorable Dr Frank Eze" <cu.stomerservice@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: honorable_frankeze013@aol.com
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 17:03:27 -0000
Subject: Reference code Number :( 1177) ooo
APPROVED PAYMENT NOTIFICATIONS FROM
THE DESK OF Honorable Dr Frank Eze
DIRECTOR ATM SWIFT CARD CENT
RE. FCT ABUJA CAPITAL HEAD OFFICE NIGERIA
DIRECTOR ATM SWIFT CARD CENT
Dear Beneficiary
Reference code Number :( 1177)
It was resolved & agreed upon by the Board members & Directors that
your fund of $2.5 Million us Dollar will be release to you on a
special method payment via MASTER CARD, you are advise to contact
this office with the information's below to claim your fund.
Full name.................Mailing Address .................. Direct /
Cell phone number..........your country of origin.........Any of your
Identification. Age.....Occupation............Marital status.......
Best Regards,
Dr Frank Eze
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Anti-fraud resources:
