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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:
- "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr.John Wilson" <"www."@peach.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: "Mr.John Wilson" <comjohnwilson@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:14:44 +0900 (JST)
Subject: USA CUSTOM AUTHORITY ......For more information Call or text (219)
354-4538
USA CUSTOM AUTHORITY .
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to inform you that your ATM MASTER CARD of $10.5 Million USA Dollars we stop now from delivering to your home address, you are to pay $80 for Custom stamp and clearance certificate. Attach is your copy of your ATM MASTER CARD
Reconfirm your full delivery detail to avoid any mistake
1. Your full name......
2. Current home address.....
3. Direct phone Number.......
4. A copy of your ID Card.....
Note, you have only 24 hours to pay the fee or your fund will be transfer to Government Treasure as on unclaimed fund. Get Back to us,
For more information Call or text (219) 354-4538
Mr.JOHN WILSON
Custom on Duty
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Anti-fraud resources:
