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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:
- ",000,000" (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)
- "00,000.00" (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: "Philips Consults" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <phillip_esq1@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 11 May 2015 03:24:36 -0500
Subject: 11/05/2015/Your Reply
CONFIRM YOUR INTEREST:
I am an Independent Financial Advisor resident in the Republic of Ghana-West Africa. I have the sum of US$122,000,000.00 (One Hundred & Twenty Two Million USD) in my Trusts Account belonging to my client whose details cannot be disclosed for security reasons. This aforesaid amount is expected to be moved out of the Country for intelligent safekeeping and Investments as it deemed necessary.
I therefore wish to consult with you privately to ascertain your capability to receive the aforementioned amount on behalf of my client. Nevertheless, your commission for your assistance will be discussed and agreed sequel to receipt of your response to the above subject matter. Full details of this offer will be made available to you should you indicate your interest.
Yours Very Truly,
Mr.Philip.O.Philips
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Anti-fraud resources:
