|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "cost of transfer" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- ",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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "David Smith" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <david_smith1111@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2015 22:46:12 -0700
Subject: For Your Urgent Attention 30/04/2015
For Your Urgent Attention
God have finally answer your prayer which is the good news you have been waiting to hear after so many years of trying to receive your outstanding payment without success.
We will credit your Approved part payment of $5,000,000 into your Bank Account before the end of this week and you are NOT expected to pay any cost of transfer before the $5,000,000 will appear in your Bank Account. You will receive a telephone Alert on your mobile telephone immediately after we carry out the transfer, which will show you details of payment credited to your account before you will call your bank to check your account balance in order to commence withdrawal from your Bank Account, it is a dream come true and you must not miss this golden opportunity.
You are advised to take this email very serious so that you will receive your payment before the end of this week and it is better you do everything possible to call me on . In case I am in a meeting you have to call my telephone several times until you get connected to me or you can send a telephone text message. Reply as soon as you can to
David Smith
Treasurer
Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA)
|
Anti-fraud resources:
