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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 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)
- "you are advise to" (this email uses bad English)
- "lagos" (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 mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: Poverty Alleviation Program <sales@craigtonfabs.com>
Reply-To: Poverty Alleviation Program <poverty.alleviation@outlook.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:32:31 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Poverty Alleviation Program.
Based on the World bank Poverty Alleviation Program. the Sum of 2.5 Million Dollars has been release to you through ATM Visa Prepared Card.
The Card have been released to our agent and you are required to contact the agent with your receiving address, Full name and telephone number to enable him send you the card via DHL.
While reconfirming your information to him you are expected to send the DHL delivery fee to him for the delivery of the ATM Visa Prepared Card.
Bellow is the contact of the agent.
Name: Nkem Dan
Email: nkem.dan@yandex.com
Address: Lagos Nigeria
Phone:+2347062841061
Attached file is a copy of the ATM Visa Prepared Card.
Here is the 4 Digit Pin code of your ATM Visa Prepared Card: 1862.
This Pin Code was not release to the agent for security reason therefore you are advise to keep it to yourself.
Sincerely Yours,
Dr. Dave Wilson
World Bank Poverty Alleviation Program
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Anti-fraud resources:
