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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:
- "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Rev John Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <financehouse147@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:49:56 -0700
Subject: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
I was directed by Mrs Kate Halmiton to send you the certified bank Cheque as compensation. Be inform that the cheque will be sent from Eroupe but through Mrs Kate's account with Barclays bank London. so the check will bears Barclays bank London.
This is a real cheque, so be rest assured that the money will be cleared in your account immediately it is deposited in your account.
You are required to reconfirm your full name, address where the certified bank Cheque will be sent. Your telephone number is also needed for easy communication.
As soon as the information is received I will send you the cashier cheque through courier service and the tracking number will be sent to you to enable you track it down before it arrival in your country.
I will get back to you to enable me inquire about the cost of the Insurance and courier service charge of your cheque to be delivered at your doorstep and keep you informed.
In addition, I will send to you the Air way bill number and tracking number which the courier company will sent to me, So you can track your package after payment.
Fill this form and return it back to me to enable me dispatch your check at once.
1. Full name:
2. Telephone number and Cell Phone number:
3. Mailing address:
4.Country of Residence:
5.Delivery Address:
6.Age
Send the above information immediately.
I await your urgent response
Regards
Rev John Williams
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Anti-fraud resources:
