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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:
- An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
- 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:
- "million american 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.
- 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.
- richardgardner014@representative.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: UNCC & WBCU <patricia@lumeceramica.com.br>
Reply-To: <richardgardner014@representative.com>
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 16:43:17 -0300
Subject: Your Ref Number
Attention:
This letter comes from the United Nation Compensation Centre in Conjunction with World Bank Compensation Unit; we are delighted to inform you that you have been selected through your email as one of the 2014 payout recipient. This office understands that many individuals have been going through hell trying to get their funds paid to them by various firms, but unknown to them this people they have been in contact with have been fraudulent Banks, Courier Companies, Diplomatic agencies, security firms etc which we understand is very frustrating and that has been a major setback for you to receive your fund.
The good news now is that after the end of 3 days serious meetings the two bodies has reached an agreement to pay you the total amount of ($8.8 million American Dollars) as a compensation it has been approved for immediate transfer to your account without any delay, to receive your funds within 5 working days do contact the payment officer by email now:
Name: Mr. Richard Gardner
Email: richardgardner014@representative.com
Contact him as soon as possible with your reference ID Number (UN4/WB02) including your name and telephone number.
You’re sincerely
Rebecca Pams
UNCC/WBCU COMMITTEE
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Anti-fraud resources:
