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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:
- "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Andrew Shores" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <logzfo@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 9 May 2015 17:18:56 -0600
Subject: INHERITANCE.
Thorpe Bay Office
198 The Broadway
Thorpe Bay
Southend On Sea
Essex
SS1 3EU
Good Day,
I am Andrew Shores, Sole executor of late Mr Peter's estate. I am on the positive that Peter was a distant relative to you as he bears the same last name with your family. Peter was a businessman who lived and died in the UK but had businesses in UK, Pakistan and the Middle East.
I have tried to find his extended relatives whom shall be suitor/inheritor to his abandoned personal estate and all such attempt has been to no advantage. The bank has threatened to seize these abandoned personal assets; in line with existing laws.
On this note, I decided once more to look for a possible family member (regardless distant). I need your approval to introduce you as the closest family member to him. I have good records that would bestow you legal rights.
Feel free to send me your contact telephone number and best time for calls so we can discuss further on this.
Best regards
Andrew Shores
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DISCLAIMER: E-mail communications are not secure therefore Andrew Shores Solicitors will not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Any views or opinions presented in this e-mail or any attachments are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Andrew Shores Solicitors. The information in this e-mail and in any attachments is confidential and for the sole use of the addressee. Further distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient you are not authorised to disclose, copy or retain this e-mail and should notify us immediately.
Andrew Shores Solicitors Also at:
Central Chambers 198 The Broadway
227 London Road Thorpe Bay
Hadleigh Benfleet Essex
Essex SS7 2RF SS1 3EU
DX 141403 Shoeburyness ESSEX DX 141403 Shoeburyness
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Anti-fraud resources:
