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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.
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: "Mr. Frank Kofi Essien" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <frankkofi-essien@outlook.com>
Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2017 23:33:54 +0200
Subject: CAN YOU SUPPLY YOUR PRODUCTS
Dear,
I have the mandate of MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT GHANA to write and inquire about your products for a possible government procurement contract.
I'm a registered agent by the aforementioned Ministry to operate as government contract negotiator and facilitator.
My commission in every successful contract awarded through my recommendation is 1% of the total value.
My commission is payable after the contract has been consummated and the seller receives due amount in his /her account.
I have considered your products to be of interest and would like to know if you will be interested to participate in the tender. A comprehensive details on the procedures will be provided on hearing from you.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
With My Very Best Regards
Mr. Frank Kofi Essien
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Anti-fraud resources:
