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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 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 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.
- abdohussameddin12@hotmail.com (Hotmail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: ABDO HUSSAMEDDIN <abdo@mail.com>
Reply-To: <abdohussameddin12@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 09:52:28 +0300
Subject: SOLICITING YOUR CONCERN
There is atrocities and mass murder going on in Syria right now and I
need your help to end this.
I am former deputy oil and mineral wealth minister in Syria. after
my defection from the regime, resignation from my position and
withdrawal from the Baath Party of the Syrian Government. I have joined
the revolution of the people who reject injustice and the brutal
campaign of the regime. I am currently in Egypt and under severe
restrictions.
I have a savings of 13 million Pounds in a bank, I need you to assist
me get this funds out so I can continue my support for the free Syrian
people, This transfer process will be done strictly via on-line
electronic process which does not require your appearance at the bank
and will be concluded in less than 2 weeks.
For your assistance and support you will have a share of 20% of the
total funds, This is also negotiable. Please contact me on my personal
email Address: abdohussameddin12@hotmail.com
Best Regards,
Abdo Hussameddin.
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Anti-fraud resources:
