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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 british pounds" (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 next of kin scam.
- 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.
- investmentaty@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: MR PHILIP GOLDENMAN <philp011@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2014 16:06:43 +0100
Subject: For your attention!!!
For your attention!!!
I am contacting you in good faith and this proposal will be of mutual benefit for us.I have a business proposal in the tune of £230,000.000.00-[Two Hundred & Thirty Million British Pounds Sterling} to be transferred to any safe account with your assistance. I have every possibility & advantages for the proceeds of this account to be paid to you and then both of us can share the money, 55% to me and 45% to you. Can I trust you on this?
I guarantee that this will be executed under a concrete special arrangement that will protect you from any breach of law. I will not fail to bring to your notice that this transaction is hitch-free and you should not entertain any fears as the required arrangements have been made for the completion of this transfer.
This money was secretly placed/deposited for an Investment before the late holder died and none of his families or relatives knows about this money, so it's discovered during an annual audition. If you can be trusted and capable to handle this business with me in full confidence & trust, please quickly contact me at :<investmentaty@aol.com> and send me the following information for documentation purpose:
(1). Full names:
(2). Private phone numbers:
(3). Current residential address:
(4). Occupation:
(5). Age and Sex:
{6}.Your Full Banking Coordinates.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards.
Mr.Philip Goldman.
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