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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "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: barrister barrister <barr_usman_b_23401@outlook.com>
Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2017 12:30:56 +0000
Subject: AT LAST YOUR PART PAYMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED
Attn: Sir
Your file appears in my desk two days ago Through FMS office that you
are among people approved to be paid half of their payment of USD$8
million dollars. Signed by the Vice President of Federal Republic of
Nigeria, On behalf of Mr.President.
I need your above information, to confirm with the one we have already
here in our file, if you are the rightful owner to be paid.
Full Name
Full Address
Mobile Number
Nationality
Thank you very much for your understanding.
Regards
Barr Usmam Bello
Special Adviser to Mr. President
Tel; 234 812 842 1816
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Anti-fraud resources:
