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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:
- "dearest one," (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Elvis Francis" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <privacycatherinefrancis@zing.vn>
Date: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 03:12:12 +0100
Subject: God bless you
Dearest one,
It is only the positive power of your mind can ever make you see reasons and come to my aid. You are not compelled to reply this mail but it is only God whom we all serve that will sincere draw you for a goodwill the will make you happy for the rest of your life.
I am Elvis Francis from Sierra-Leone,the son of late Mrs. Catherine Francis of the blessed Memory.
I never knew my father only but the wedding picture I saw him as I grew up. I am from Makeni the fourth largest city in Sierra Leone and the largest city and economic center of the Northern Province. Makeni is the capital and administrative center of Bombali District.my mother late mother Mrs.Catherine CEO Malvis export ltd Sierra Loene before her untimely death.
My uncles insisted to take over my late fathers' business but after my mothers resistance for years on the 15th of August 2013 some gunmen attacked my mother on her way back from the church.
She confided in me about a Fund she deposited in a Bank in UK because of threats from my uncles. This money USD$7.8m is meant for a business investment she wants to open in London.
All I needed from you is to assist me since that this money is transfer from the bank to your account.I can not go back to makeni, my uncles will eliminate me. please help me, help me and receive this Fund.
My late mother gave me the lodgement receipt issued to her by the (Bank) on the date of deposited, for you to be clarify because I believe strongly in you that is why I am offering you 10 % of the total money, in case of any other necessary expenses you might incur during this transaction.
Please am stranded here without any relation but with your help I will see light and security again.
God Bless you.
Elvis Francis.
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Anti-fraud resources:
