|
|
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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: TONY GREG <tonygregceo3@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 1 Feb 2020 02:26:46 -0800
Subject: URGENT
Dear FRIEND
How are you doing today,i will be very happy to hear
from you once
again, I am looking for a serious foreign business
partner who will
help me to invest my late father funds in his country.
The amount involve sum of $ 15,5. million United States Dollars
This funds were acquired legitimately, and there are
documents to this effect.
Upon the receipt of a favorable response from you, i
will furnish you with more details on proof of funds.
For more details.
Please kindle get back as soon as possible
I am waiting to hear from you
Thank TONY
|
Anti-fraud resources: