|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "% will be for you" (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)
- "ecowas " (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: Mr Awudu Huga <mrawuduhuga1@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2015 08:41:29 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Compliment of the day to you,HERE IS THE WEDSITE OF THE INCIDENT
PLEASE CHECK
(http://www.sptimes.com/2003/07/21/Worldandnation/12_Americans_die_in_K.shtml)
My Dear,
Compliment of the day to you, I know you will be surprise to receive this email from me because we never met before. I am Mr Awudu Huga a banker by profession from West African Societe Generale de Banques au Burkina (SGBB) here in West Africa and am currently holding the post of the Bank (Chief Audit Unit) in ECOWAS STATE. I am sending this brief letter to solicit your partnership to transfer (US10.000.000) into your bank account. I shall send you more information and procedures when I receive a positive response from you and for your information 40% of the above mentioned amount will be for you if you agree to help me execute this business also 10% will be for your expense you will make in this transaction and 50% is for me.
Best Regard's,
Mr Awudu Huga.
|
Anti-fraud resources:
