|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- 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.
- vetrosolicitors@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
Fraud email example:
From: "Barr.Sylvester Damian" <sgt.donald.tucci@gmail.com>
Reply-To: vetrosolicitors@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 17:35:52 +0100
Subject: INVESTMENT.
--
Barr.Sylvester of Damian
African Development Bank, Republic of Benin
Cotonou in Benin Republic.
DEAR FRIEND,
How are you? I hope great.
I have interest to invest in your country and i want your your
services in a private and confidential matter. I want to invest the
sum of $ 198.68m USD in real estate and agriculture in your country,
but I want you to personally manage the investment for me and tell me
your percentage.
NOTE: My plan is to invest my money in your country.
1 What other lucrative investments would you suggest as I intend to invest in
Real Estate and Hotels if they are good business venture in your country?
2 Can you be able to make the documents of residence and buy a house for me and
my family to relocate and settle in your country after I retire in three months
time.
Let me know if you can handle it so we can discuss your own% .contact me
E-mail: vetrosolicitors@gmail.com
I await your urgent response. Please provide your mobile phone number to
easy communication.
kind regards,
Barr. Sylvester Damian
Auditor General
Email: vetrosolicitors@gmail.com
|
Anti-fraud resources: