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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:
- "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million 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 next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: peter koffi <peterkoffi.info@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 29 May 2014 20:59:38 +0200
Subject: MY DEAR
My Dear ,
I am Mr Peter Koffi,a banker in charge of auditing and accounting
section of the Bank. I would like you to indicate your interest to
receive the transfer of $10 Million Dollars. I will like you to stand
as the next of kin to our late customer whose account is presently
dormant for long.
Since I have been unsuccessful in locating any relatives, I would like
you to stand as the next of kin since you are a foreigner so that the
bank can release the fund to your account.
It is important you get in touch with me urgently to enable us commence action.
Mr Peter Koffi.
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Anti-fraud resources:
