|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "clearance fee" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "MR.JAMES ANTHONY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mr.jamesanthony2013@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 11:24:41 +0100
Subject: Attention,Get Back
Attention,
You Are Expected To Call DHL +442393880025 Once You receive this Email (BARCLAY'S BANK) has finalize all the necessary arrangement and your fund $4.2 Million Issued as Certified Bank Check in DHL OFFICE waiting for your Address were to deliver it. INFO:
Your name___
Your country__
Your address___
You’re Age/sex__
Your occupation
Direct phone number__
This is your registration code (DHJKT00678G)
Contact person: MR.TONY BLAIR
Telephone …… +442393880025
You are required to comply with their Directives because you will be required to pay for the Delivery and Clearance Fee as soon as he arrives your COUNTRY. For verification after your information has been confirmed and your readiness to pay the Delivery and Clearance Fee when Mr. Tony Blair arrives your Country, a scan copy of your Certified Bank Check and your Ownership Certificate will be forwarded to you.
Regards,
Mr. James Anthony
Notification Officer.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
