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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:
- "levy " (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. )
- "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: liam joyce <liamcjoyce@eircom.net>
Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2019 19:34:21 +0100 (IST)
Subject: OFFICIAL NOTICE!!
Good Day,
We are sorry for the delay in dispatching your ATM Card for onward delivery at your address in a timely manner.
The delay we encountered was in respect to the memo we received from the High Court of Justice as they directed that pursuant to the dispatch of your ATM CARD that you have to be issued with an "ECONOMIC FUND RECOVERY LEVY CERTIFICATE" (EFRL). According to the Court they made us to understand that the presence of the Certificate is important to be delivered alongside your ATM Card so as to avoid any encumbrances during the delivery process of your package.
I shall give you further directives on how to apply for and obtain the much needed Certificate as soon as I heard back from you.
Thanks for your patience and understanding as I look forward for your urgent reply.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Mba.
Director UPS
Benin Republic.
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Anti-fraud resources:
