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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:
- "fund beneficiary" (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)
- "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: EcoBank Of Nigeria Plc <rev.thompsonwilson1112@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2020 23:30:55 -0800
Subject: RE: $5 Million ATM Master Card Payment
Dear Fund Beneficiary
This is the 3rd time i am sending you this notification letter regarding to
your abandoned ATM Master Card valued sum of US$5 Million and i have not
received any positive respond from you or making a suggestion on how you
wish to receive your ATM Card Once again . during morning my official
research I discovered an abandoned ATM Master card valued sum of $5 Million
belonging to you as the rightfully intimate beneficiary
I tried to know why this card has not been released to you but I was told
by the Union management that the former director ATM head of operation who
left this office four months ago withhold your card for his own personal
use without knowing that his evil plans towards diverting your fund will be
discovered
Now that your ATM Master card is still available and ready for your
receiving therefore you can come down here to our bank to pick up your card
direct from my office or alternatively it can be arranged ship to your
address through any registered reliable courier service company that you
will take care of the courier charge hope it is cleared and accepted by you
I don't know the courier cost of shipping the card to you but if you permit
me and accept the terms then I can make an inquiry from the courier
shipping company to find out the cost but in that case you will be required
to forward to me your address where you want to receive the card to enable
me find out the shipping cost to your location
Your direct telephone number and address will be needed and more details of
your ATM card payment will be made known to you as soon as I receive your
swift positive response as soon as you read this mail.
Thanks for your cooperation and i wait for your kind positive responds.
Yours Faithfully,
Rev. Thompson Wilson
ACCOUNTANT AREA MANAGER
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Anti-fraud resources:
