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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:
- "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)
- "into your nominated bank account" (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)
- "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
Fraud email example:
From: United Bank For Africa Plc <www.info.gov@gmail.com>
Reply-To: United Bank For Africa Plc <www.imfofffice@informaticos.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2017 04:21:25 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Attention Sir/Madam
United Bank For Africa Plc
Head Office: 01 BP 2160 Porto-Novo,
Benin Republic
Tel: +229-6242-8811
I
have been mandated to inform you that your inheritance/contract fund
with our bank is due for release into your nominated bank account.
The
audit report given to us, shows that you have been going through hard
times to see to the release of your funds USD2.5 MILLION, which has been
delayed by some dubious officials. We therefore advise that you stop
further communication with any correspondence outside this office. In
order to proceed with this transaction, you will be required to contact
the agent in-charge ( MR. CHARLES WHITE ) by clicking on Reply button,
kindly look below to find appropriate contact immediately after clicking
on Reply button information:
CONTACT AGENT NAME: MR. CHARLES WHITE
Phone Number: +229-6242-8811
Kindly give us your contact details such as Stated Below in order to process and send your funds without further delay.
Full Name:
Address:
Bank Account:
Bank Name:
Zip Code:
Direct Contact Number:
Occupation:
IMF
organization have ordered the funds recovered to be shared among the 10
Lucky people listed around the World as a
compensation/inheritance.Therefore, We would like you to choose below
your choice of fund release:
(A) Bank Transfer/Online Banking
(B) Certified Bank Draft/Cheque
(C) ATM Card
(D) Consignment
For and On behalf of:
Christine Lagarde
IMF Managing Directors
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Anti-fraud resources:
