|
|
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:
- "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a orphan scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Samura" <collinsouma@nairobichapel.org>
Reply-To: samura@voila.fr
Date: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 11:19:46 -0400
Subject: Attn Director
Attn Director
My name Samura Momka , My father was a highly reputable business man-(a
cocoa merchant) who operated in Cote d'Ivoire during his days.It is sad to
say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business
trips abroad year.Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected
to have been masterminded by my uncle who traveled with him at that time.
My mother died when I was just 8 years old, and since then my father took
us so special. Before his death he told me that he has the sum (USD$6 300
000 Million) left in a bank here in Cote d'Ivoire. I , really don't know
what to do. so, I am asking of your humble assistance in this regards to
help us claim and invest the money in your country and also help me to
come over to your country to further my education while you invest and
manage the money on my behalf.
REGARDING THE INVESTMENT THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS FOR YOUR SELECTION DOWN TO
PRIORITY BASES:
1.REAL ESTATE(HUGE POTENTIONAL).
2.EDUCATION INSTITUTION.
3.HOTEL INDUSTRY.
4.TEXTILE INDUSTRY.
5.MANUFACTIORING.
6.OIL COMPANY
Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. I will like that you
keep this transaction confidential for the security of the money. Now
permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can I completely trust you?
2. Can you be able to keep this transaction confidential for the security
of the money?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you?
Consider this and get back to me.
Thank you so much.
My sincere regards,
Samura
|
Anti-fraud resources:
