|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "might come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- 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.
- major.alexsidney@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Alex Sidney <alex_sidney@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2015 06:57:52 -0500
Subject: CAN YOU PARTNER WITH ME
Sir,
It gives me a great deal of pleasure to write you this email, even whenit might come
to you as a surprise, but I hope you find it of interest. This websiteexplains it all;
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm Iwas an active participant there.
If you could be trusted with some huge sums, then get back to me quickfor details.
Regards,
Major Alex Sidney.
Reply to Email: major.alexsidney@gmail.com
|
Anti-fraud resources:
