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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:
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "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: "American Stock Exchange NY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <americaexchangestock@live.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2013 15:37:00 -0700
Subject: Your Cheque Worth $500,780.00 Are Ready!
>From American Stock Exchange NY
11/13 WALL ST NEW YORK, NY USA
Office Of Chief Financial Officer
**ASE**NYSE**USA**
Mr. Michael S. Geltzeiler
To Whom It May Concern
Your file was forwarded to my Office, Your (LAST NAME) was discovered among the listed beneficiaries traded on the Stock Market Asset that happened loose their Funds on the Stock Market on the Last trade Event. The Board of Director/Shareholder's did concluded to Compensate you with the profit Bonus of A Dividend Cheque of $500,780.00 which was Discovered Three days ago on our database system listed undelivered to it destination. Right-here i have been assigned to carry out this project to deliver to Everyone beneficary their Dividen Cheque without any delay. You are advice to reconfirm to me with your details as well for further verification owner of the Cheque.
Last Name:{……………….} First Name:{…………….} Middle Name:{……………….}
Contact Address:{…………………………………….} Sex:{..............} Telephone:{..............}
State:{……………………..} City:{…………..} Zip Code:{…………….}
Your responses are further awaiting.
Yours Truly,
Mr. Michael S. Geltzeiler
ASE:- Chief Financial Officer.
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Anti-fraud resources:
