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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- sophiauke52@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: sophia ukeh <sophiauke52@hotmail.fr>
Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:02:26 +0000
Subject: URGENT RESPOND FROM SOPHIA
Hello Dear friend,
My name is Sophia. 24 years old single, origin of Sudan due to war in my country that is why I am contacted you. I feel you can help me.
I had a bad day with the bank because of my fathers inheritance of money he deposited in the Bank, I went in claim of the money because I want to start up a good life for myself and also finish my education. Presently am living in Refugee camp in Senegal with the help of the United Nation.
The Bank asked me for a foreign partner and I told them I don't have they said I need to get a foreign partner or I wait till I am married before the money will be release to me, that's why I contacted you if you can help me and stand as my foreign partner and help me claim the money my father left in Bank before he died with my name as the next of kin, $4.5m USA dollars.
If you are interested to assist me to bring this transaction into a reality I will be very glad and ready to invest this fund in any profitable investment in your country that will profit both of us, Kindly supply me your contact so that we can proceed.
1. Your Full Name..........................
2. Your Age................
3. Your Phone Number And Fax ..............
4. Your Full Address............
5. Your E-mail...........................
6. Your Occupation.................
7. Your Real Photo..............
8. Your Nationality..............
Thanks for your cooperation and help.
Miss Sophia.
sophiauke52@yahoo.com
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Anti-fraud resources: