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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "because it still remains the fastest medium of communication" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "i feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business" (a common phrase found 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: "Senior Partner <Legal Aid>" <ubs.suise@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2015 14:01:19 +0000
Subject: Invitation: Your Useful Surname
Dear Sir,
I feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business. Though
this medium (Internet) has been greatly abused, I choose to reach you
through it because it still remains the fastest medium of
communication. However, this correspondence is private, and it should
be treated in strict confidence. Actually I got your contact detail in
my search on Foreign Information Network Online and I am contacting
you so that we can agree on the legal transfer of US$85.2M which was
left in the bank by my late client who bears same SURNAME/Last Name
with you. Please email me for detail
Thanks
William Parret
Snr. Partner GAFS
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Anti-fraud resources:
