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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:
- "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. )
- "mtcn" (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. )
- "cotonou" (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.
Fraud email example:
From: Larry Zick <"www."@leaf.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: Larry Zick <bankofamericaamerica18@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2017 19:36:35 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Your package will be sent to you
Att,
Your package will be sent to you within 2 working days upon Confirmation receipt of UPS fee of $55.00 Dollars. We are so sure of everything and we are giving you a 100% Money back Guarantee if you do not receive payment / package within the next 48hrs after you have made the payment for shipping. We also Hereby Issued You Our Code Of Conduct, Which Is (PIN: 1290) So You Have To Indicate This Code When replying back to us By Using It As Your Subject Because Of Impostors.
I will also use the money to settle the pilot and some officials so that nobody will disturb the movement as we come to meet you in your house.
If truly you want us to bring this card to your doorstep then you have to find this money and send today to enable me obtain the Police Extract Clearance immediately that will enhance a hitch-free delivery to your doorstep and the shipment shall be delivered on 2 days at your house.
If rely your are ready to follow up the instruction bellow is the catchier name which you will send the fee with through money gram OK.
RECEIVER NAME ..... MIKE EZE
RECEIVER COUNTRY......Benin republic
RECEIVER CITY .......Cotonou
AMOUNT........$55
text question...Good
Anwser ......servic
MTCN.......???
SENDER NAME ...???
Thank you ,
Yours Faithfully,
Larry Zick
PHONE NUMBER CALL OR TEXT:+ 229-99319306
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Anti-fraud resources:
