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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:
- 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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: zenithbankplc fexdep <zenithbankplc_fexdep@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 14:44:14 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: CAN YOU HELP ME?
Dear Sir
I have a very important business proposition to you,not considering the fact that we have not met before. I believe you will treat this offer with keen interest and utmost sincerity. My name is Mr. Paul Egobia, An account officer with Fidelity Bank Plc, Nigeria. I have a vital information about unclaimed fund to the tone of US$18.5Million Dollars belonging to one of our deceased customer.
Can you stand as his next of kin? Get back to me for more details.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Reply via email: paulegobia@barid.com
Best regards,
Mr. Paul Egobia
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Anti-fraud resources:
