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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:
- "please indicate your interest" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "robertsmith777@yandex.com" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "MR ROBERT SMITH" <rolandthompsom@gmail.com>
Reply-To: robertsmith777@yandex.com
Date: Tue, 02 May 2017 14:11:33 -0700
Subject: HELLO ATTACHED IS THE PROOF OF FUNDS
Dear Sir
Do you have a business idea or a capital project that requires funding? CI=
L is primarily a turn around management company with a mission to transform=
businesses and lives through creative financial services. We specialize i=
n the provision of funds and financial advisory services.
CIL manages funds ranging from 1 million to $5 billion us dollars for high=
ly placed business men and officials who will prefer to be discreet,
We plan to invest these funds in emerging innovative and potential high gro=
wth companies and businesses. If you are interested in getting funds from u=
s for your project
please indicate your interest with details of your business plans and amoun=
t you will need send them directly to my Email
{robertsmith777@yandex.com}
Regards,
Robert Smith.
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Anti-fraud resources:
