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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. )
- "money gram" (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. )
- "consignment " (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)
- "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
- "the diplomat " ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "abuja" (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.
- 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: "Mrs.Robert Williams." <yahooclaimagentss2009@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mrs.robertwilliams11@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2016 18:17:23 +0100
Subject: Attn:
Attn:
How Are You Today With Your Family, Hope You All Are Living
In Good Condition Of Health Which Is The Most Important
Aspect Of Life.
As A Matter Of Fact My Good Friend,I Want To Let You Know
That We Had Meeting Today And After A Serious And Lengthy Meeting
Today Held By The Board Of Directors On Your Behalf It Was Decided In
Your Own Favor And Best Interest To Reduce The Payment For The
Certificate To 101 Dollars So That You Can Meet Up With The Payment
Please You Are Given Only 24hours To Do This Payment So We
Can Get The Document Needed Today And Forward It To The
Diplomat Mr.Robert Cole Immediately For Him To Commence
Action On The Delivering Of Your Consignment $15.5m To Your
Door Step.
As A Matter Of Fact , My Good Friend,You Are Advice To Pay The
101 Dollars Through The Western Union Or Money Gram To The Below
Information And Send The Payment Details To Me Immediately.
Below Is The Information:
Receiver's Name; Okonkwo Christopher.
Text Question: Very
Text Answer; Lucky
Amount: 101 Dollars
Destination: Abuja / Nigeria
Senders Name:
Senders Address:
M.T.C.N Number:
I Know You Must Have Several Emails Like This Do Not Worry
My Government Will Soon Fish Them Out We Are Here To Serve
You As Our Word Is Our Bond To You.
Confirm The Receipt Of This E-Mail By You Immediately And Be
Rest Assured That You Will Be Smiling Seeing The Diplomat
Mr.Robert Cole In Your Door Step Delivering Your Consignment next week
Because He Is Very Close To
Home.
Your Faithfully,
Honorable Mrs.Robert Williams
Director; Imf World Regulatory Office
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Anti-fraud resources:
