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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- "million dollars" (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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "united state specail investigator" <info@state.gov>
Reply-To: <mark.wilson@Investigator2.onmicrosoft.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2016 04:34:53 -0300
Subject: SHOCKING DISCOVERY READ BELOW AND GET BACK TO ME
HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO RECEIVE YOUR FUNDS
***************************************************
Sorry to contact you by email but I feel it is best and more convenient for me in order to explain why I am contacting you today.
I'm Mark Wilson, United State Special investigator’ I work hand in hand with the United State Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
I specialize in Background Investigation on funds which include [COMPENSATION/INHERITANCE FUNDS OR NEXT OF KIN, Consignment Box, Lotto® JACKPOT] and I have notice that you have been receiving numerous emails from people who claims to have funds coming to you but I advise that if you're in communication with any of them in respect of funds, you have to stop every communication right now.
According to the investigation report it was discover that you're not communicating with the right legitimate person who is in charge of getting this funds to you directly.
On my investigation, it was truly confirmed that you have 100% legitimate transaction and which you have every right to claim this funds, According to the IMF confirmation letter you're confirmed to be the right Beneficiary to the said $10.5 Million usd.
As the matter of fact they said $10.5 Million Dollars been long due and approved for payment by International Monetary Fund (IMF)
I want to know if you're interested in receiving your unpaid funds $10.5 Million usd and I will only be of help if you agreed to follow a simple instruction.
YOUR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING IS NEEDED URGENTLY.
Regard
Mr. Mark Wilson
United State Special Investigator
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Anti-fraud resources:
