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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.
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "huge amount of money" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Thomas Kohler" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <thomaskohler@rediffmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:47:27 -0500
Subject: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL.
Dear .
I need to move about USD 150 milion for foreign investment.The fund was generated from several ROI (Return on Investment)
I want to present you as to authorized foreign investor and consequently make arrangements for the money to be moved to you in your country and for this purpose I need to be assured on my following Concerns before we proceed;
Can I trust you with the fund?
Can you help me find a good investment for the fund?
What areas of investment will you recommend?
What % share will you want to take for Assisting me?
This is a very legal transaction and everything Will be coordinated in black and white. The essence of secrecy can not be underestimated because, a lot of money is Involved, and you can not trust anybody especially When It comes to this huge Amount of money.
God bless you as you endeavor to work with my team in honesty. Let me know if we can work together. I have strong plan to Compensate your assistance.
Warm regards
Thomas Kohler
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Anti-fraud resources:
