|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: PRINCE MARTINS <dezertluvrs@msn.com>
Reply-To: <prince.martinss@yandex.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2014 05:58:47 +0000
Subject: United Nations Compensation
Attn: Sir,
Due to your delay to conclude this transaction, we the council have agreed to make things easier for you by arranging a bank deposit on your sum of $800,000.00 (Eight hundred thousand dollars only) fund through an afflict bank in UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA) And the bank will in return issue you an ATM MASTER CARD that will grant you access to your withdrawal worldwide without any delay or hindrance.
You are required to furnish them with your delivery address, full names and direct Cellphone number where the bank will send you your ATM CARD via courier service.
On receipt of your delivery address the issued atm card will be sent to you and the tracking numbers shall as well be given to you.
Therefore do not be afraid or skeptical to Contact Mr. Phillips Oduoza immediately for your compensation Fund without any delay or hindrance with below information.
Contact Person: Mr. Phillips Oduoza
Position:UBA Bank Chief Executive
E-mail: phillip.oduoza@yandex.com
Tel: +234-705786-9234
Regards
Barrister. Prince Martins
United Nations Agent Officer
|
Anti-fraud resources:
