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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:
- "search for a reliable person" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "million united states 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)
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
- This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
Fraud email example:
From: "Ms. Shiella Mondas" <bonifacend21@gmail.com>
Reply-To: shiellamondas1@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2015 20:53:46 +0100
Subject: Can I entrust this project in your care?
My dear,
I know that this mail will surprise you but I implore you to take a
little of your time to go through it for the decision you take will go
a long way in determining my future. I got your contact after an
extensive on-line search for a reliable person I can trust, I know
this world is full of evil I need a trusted person that will assist on
this project.
I am Mrs Shiella Mondas, from Netherlands. I was married to former
Netherlands ambassador to Benin Republic who was the chief Consular in
their embassy in Benin Republic for nine years before he died in the
year 2004. We had one child who died earlier before his late father.
When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $15.5 Million
United States Dollars (fifteen million five hundred thousand dollars)
with Bank Atlantique Republic of Benin.
Recently, my doctor told me that I would not last for the next 4
months due to cardiac and kidney failure problem. Having known my
condition I decided to donate this fund to you for charity. I want you
to use this fund for orphanages,widows and the needy in the society. l
took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit
this money and I don't want my husband's efforts to be misused.
I am not afraid of death because I lived a fulfilled live. I don't
need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health
and as soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of
the bank. I will also issue you an authority letter that will prove
you the present beneficiary of this fund if need be. I want you to
always pray for me because my health is deteriorating.
Contact me immediately and any delay in your reply will give me room
in sourcing another good person for this same purpose.
Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein.
Hoping to receiving your response soonest.
Thanks and remain blessed.
Yours sister.
Mrs Shiella Mondas.
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