|
|
joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
|
|
"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:
- "million united states 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)
- "we advice you" (this email uses bad English)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: Melania Trump <mrktony6a@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: Melania Trump <scfdpss1a@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2017 15:39:48 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: FROM THE OFFICE OF MELANIA TRUMP
ON BEHALF AND AUTHORIZED RIGHT OF PRESIDENT DONALD JOHN TRUMP.
I'M MRS.MELANIA TRUMP AND THE CONTENT OF BELLOW MESSAGE IS SIGNED AND APPROVED BY UNITED BANK OF AMERICA.
moreover,in respect of fact the sum of Five Million United States dollars(US$5 million) was instructed to transfer on your favor through certified Cashier check ,And i wish to let you know that every necessary things has been accessed by IMF on the economic recovery program done by united state embassy in government house of Benin for victim who lost fund to on African artist,And you have nothing to be worried about.
Below is the required information i need from you so that the delivery of your check draft will commence immediately today
Home address:...........................................
Cell phone number:......................................
City:...................................................
valid Email Address................................
We advice you to prohibit any other transaction you are having with an unknown source to avoid regret thereafter.And we urge you to comply fast with the managerial demands so that you can have your legit check book with immediate effect as instructed
Sincerely yours
Mrs Melania Trump
Phone:+1(516) 387-4035
THE WHITE HOUSE{OFFICIAL RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE US}
1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW WASHINGTON DC 20500 USA
|
Anti-fraud resources: