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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:
- "western union" (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. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
Fraud email example:
From: African Development Bank Plc <www.central.b.africa@informaticos.com>
Reply-To: African Development Bank Plc <db_acc@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2015 12:49:12 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Welcome To African Development Bank Plc
Welcome To African Development Bank Plc
Siege Social:169, Blvd Du 13 Janvier
Telephone :+22968970405
Attention Dear Customer,
This is to officially inform you that your Fund which you supposed to receive via Western Union ATM CARD daily transfer has been deposited with us to pay you through online banking system. Online Banking is the easiest way to get your fund transferred into your personal account or any account of your choice using your home computer or iPhone through the help of our banking website which will be giving to you in our next email..
Kindly contact us back with with your phone number and address for the online account set up.
Thanks
Managing Director Chief Executive Officer
Mr.Daniel Asiedu
Director CEO of the Bank
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Anti-fraud resources:
