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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:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "offshore account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- linahoward02@mail.com (Mail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: pawina <pawina@brighten-unique.com>
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2015 17:56:32 +0700
Subject: read and reply
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Dear Friend ,
I write to you with respect and honesty to inform you of my intention
to do a business transaction with you. i got your contact when i was searching
for a person that can assist me in the transfer of some fund.
I am an British American from Texas working in London for a long period, now i have
decided to return back home but the British government have asked to review my tax
records and there has been a hold on my personal access to my fund.
my lawyer has advised i move some funds to an offshore account if not i will be paying
a very huge tax and fine that will almost zero my account, due to this I solicit your
understanding and partnership to move some funds ( $1,230,000 ) to your account. i am willing to give you a big
compensation for this. but i also need your utmost honesty because this is confidential.
Let me know if you are interested in helping
please send your response to my private email only: linahoward02@mail.com
Thanks
Lina
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Anti-fraud resources:
