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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:
- "fund beneficiary" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
Fraud email example:
From: "MR ADAM SMITH" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 6 May 2016 15:21:43 +0100
Subject: TREAT WITH URGENCY
ATTENTION:-Dear Beneficiaries
The sum of $11.5 million. out of
your over due total sum has been
approved for payment through ATM
cash card system after all attempts
to pay you through bank, and
diplomatic courier failed. The
approved sum has been programmed
into the ATM cash card which will
be dispatched to you through your
address upon reconfirmation. I have
made several attempts to contact
you and this is the 3rd and perhaps
the last email to you in respect to
this matter. Meanwhile, I received
a power of attorney from one
CAMBELL WILLIE from USA purportedly
issued by you asking us to change
the fund beneficiary to his name
hence we are seeking for your
confirmation as soon as possible.
to this end, you should Kindly Re-
confirm these information to me.
Name: Mr Adam Smith
Email: adamsmith5466@yahoomail.com
(1) Your Full Names:-
(2) Address:-
(3) Your Phone Numbers:-
NOTE: The actual fees for shipping
your ATM card is just $150.00
nothing more and no hidden fees of
any sort! Upon receipt of payment
the delivery officer will ensure
that your package is sent within 24
working hours. Because I am very
sure of everything I am giving you
a 100% money back guarantee if you
do not receive payment/package
within the next 24hrs after you
have made the payment for shipping.
Regards
Mr Adam Smith
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Anti-fraud resources:
