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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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mrs. Mariam Abacha" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsmabacha98@yahoo.co.nz>
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2013 07:26:55 -0500
Subject: Investment Partner Needed!!!
Hello,
I am writing this letter on a quick note request for a business / investment
deal to be handled by you in your country. I know your time is too valuable
so without taking too much of your precious time I will state the purpose of
this letter. My apology I am contacting you through email; it is because it
serves as the fastest and more convenient way to get to you. I’m in search of
a strong business relationship and partner for business / Investment project.
I got your email through a reliable source that assured me of your integrity
and reliability in handling this project for me. First, I need to seek your
consent before I proceed. This project involves a huge specific amount I
cannot mention here for security reasons but will tell you upon the receipt of
your reply to this mail. Be rest assured that the proposed investment fund is
free from illegal activities.
If you feel you can have this handled or give a thought to this, kindly let me
know, in order for me to send you a complete comprehensive details of this
transaction.
Regards,
Mrs. Mariam B. Abacha
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Anti-fraud resources:
