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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:
- "the consignment" (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)
- "consignment " (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)
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "lome togo" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Simon Mensah <simon.mensah02@outlook.com>
Reply-To: <simon.mensah14@ovi.com>
Date: Mon, 1 Dec 2014 10:09:23 +0000
Subject: Sorry to disturb your morning....
Sorry to disturb your morning....
I know this may arouse some kind of surprise and suspicion considering the level of scam going on in the internet especially here in Africa. My name is Simon Mensah, from African Development Bank Lome Togo but presently in the prison because of my deal with some Government official to move out the sum of $62 Million in cash. I really need your help in assisting me to receive part of the money I succeeded in moving out from the $62 Million before this problem. Your urgent and positive reply is needed to enable me disclose to you where and how to receive the money for safe keeping or investment in any profitable business in the State.
The consignment have arrived in the State already, all you need is to send me your information, your private cell phone number, address to enable the delivery agent contact you for the delivery of the consignment as i was to meet him up in the State before this problem came up.
I need your urgent reply as I may not be able to communicate with you always after this few days. I need a total stranger to handle this transaction for and I believe and hope you can be trusted?
Regards, Simon Mensahemail: simon.mensah14@ovi.com
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