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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:
- "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "affidavit of claim" (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. )
- "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: " Rose Okwechime" <uba4@officefile.org>
Reply-To: officefile273@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:33:48 +0100
Subject: From United Bank For Africa, Get Back To Immediately
United Bank for Africa Plc. (UBA)
Address: Head Office: 57, Marina, Lagos
Phone: +234 8167 544 641
Website: http://www.ubgroup.com
Contact: info@ubgroup.com
Attention:
This is from the desk of Rose A. Okwechime (Mrs.) Operating Officer
United Bank For Africa Plc, I write to let you know that we have been
instructed by the Ministry of finance to release your payment as soon
as possible. Note that your attention will be needed in our bank Head
quarters here on or before 12TH Of December 2015. But if you are not
able to come to Nigeria court affidavit of claim will be needed.
The bank will also need your full details and along with a copy of
your ID card for verification and your ID copy is compulsory. You also
advise to comply immediately because we have only 8 working days to
complete this transaction.
Very best regard
Rose A. Okwechime (Mrs.)
Operating Officer
United Bank For Africa(UBA)
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