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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:
- "transfer of your funds" (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: "Mrs. Beverly Hanson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infonfocm@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2019 16:17:11 -0700
Subject: Attention:
Attention:
I am here to inform you about the new development regarding your payment. We have been offered to release your fund through our affiliate bank in Switzerland. You are required to confirm that you are still willing to receive your fund to avoid redirecting of fund into Government treasury account.
Due to the fact that the people handling your payment in the past are dubious and was ever willing to subjugate you in all manner protocols to see you quit to give them chance to siphon your fund into their personal account due to their selfish interest. This method has been created so the Government can monitor the transaction legally. A lawyer who will workout the modalities for the successful transfer of your funds has been informed.
All that is required of you is your consent. Forward your details where you would want the funds transferred to . Send copy of your ID card, your full address and cell phone number.With the above details we can proceed to work in accordance to the law to process your fund and transfer your fund into your preferable bank account.
I am looking forward to receive your swift response.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Beverly Hanson
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Anti-fraud resources:
