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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Courage K" <Mycontact233@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2013 23:08:08 +0800
Subject: UPDATE AND URGENT
Hello my friend,
Do not misrepresent my intention for not introducing myself before asking
for your participation in this proposal. May i request your kind
consideration to deeply reflect on this proposal.
Authoritatively, i am in possession of great fortune, which if maximized
with absolute trust and confidentiality will change your fortune as well.
This transaction will be legally pursued and risk free provided i remain
at the background. I want to entrust $7.5 Million United States dollars
and about 110 kilos of gold dust into your care for safe keeping and
future investment. I need you to confirm you honesty, absolute
confidentiality then i will reveal my identity and inform you on step by
step procedure.
I await to hear from you.
Respectfully,
Courage K.
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Anti-fraud resources:
