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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:
- "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)
- "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.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Ademola Adewale" <ademola.adewale0555@shqiptar.eu>
Reply-To: <infomr.ademolaadewale@accountant.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 10:39:50 +0000
Subject: Re: Latest Information on Your Unclaimed ATM Card Payment.
ATM Payment Settlement DeptOffice Of Mr. Ademola Adewale
Re: Latest Information on Your Unclaimed ATM Card Payment.
We use this opportunity to confirm from you if really you have sent your overseas representative ( Name Withheld ) from USA to come and activate your ATM CARD on your behalf. He further stated that you were sick and could not get this straightened out this time that because the year is running down so you gave him the power of authority to come and activate your card and that we should hand over the card to him to avoid confiscation by the bank.
We decided to write to your email and if there is no outcome of reply from this message from you within 24 hrs it will be assumed that his information is correct then we shall work with your representative and do what he has requested. You are require to send us this information below:
1. Full Names:2. Residence Address where you want the courier service will deliver your ATM CARD:3. Phone Numbers And Fax Numbers: 4. A Scan of Your International Passport or Identity Card or Driver's License:5. Age and Occupation:
Who so ever receive this letter should put us through to avoid handing over your ATM CARD with US $ 15.5 million dollars to stranger.
We look forward to immediate response.
Yours sincerely,Director ATM Dept.KEYSTONE BANK NIGERIA PLC
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Anti-fraud resources:
