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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:
- "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr Emmanuel Udom" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lkkg01@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:23:05 -0400
Subject: SOLUTION TO YOUR PROBLEM ( PLEASE READ DO NOT DELETE)
Dear Beneficiary
The Bank of America in partnership with Zenith Bank have issued a new ATM card/certified cheque for you to take care of your long outstanding payment. The new partnership is as a result of high level of corruption in Nigeria therefore the delivery of your atm card/certified cheque will be monitored by Bank of America in United States along with Zenith Bank Executive Director who is also in United States for the purpose of your payment.
All you are require to do is to send $100 (only) for the Home/Office delivery of your new atm card/certified cheque, which will be delivered to you 24 Hours, after you send the $100. Note No Custom Clearance will be require from you.
If your are interested to receive your long awaited payment then reply now and Re-confirm your (1) Full Name, (2) Delivery Address, (3) Cell Phone and Fax Number and (4) the total Amount of Money you are expecting. As soon as we receive the answer to the 4 questions above the Telephone Number of Zenith
Bank Executive Director in United States will be given to you so that you will contact him to give you the name where you will send the $100 within United States.
Notice: DO NOT REPLY THIS MAIL IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO SEND THE $100 REQUIRED FOR HOME/OFFICE DELIVERY OF YOUR NEW ATM CARD/CERTIFIED CHEQUE, BECAUSE BANK OF AMERICA (WILL NOT) PAY HOME DELIVERY FOR ANY BENEFICIARY.
Mr Emmanuel Udom
Zenith Bank Executive Director (USA)
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Anti-fraud resources:
