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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:
- "security keeping fee" (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. )
- "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- "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: "Mrs Ruth Smith" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2020 04:06:35 -0800
Subject: From Mrs Ruth Smith
Dear Esteem Costumer,
Please Contact FedEx for the delivery of your ATM CARD package
deposited for shipment to you since 31/08/2020,Thefederal ministry of
finance paid your delivery fees, the only money left to deliver your
ATM to your home address is (US$220.00) only being the Security
Keeping Fee.Track and confirm your package at
http://www.fedex.com/tracking/ your
tracking number is: 800277347645.
Regards.
Mrs Ruth Smith.
Store Manager
FedEx Courier Service
Please contact FedEx with information below:
OFFICE: FedEx Diplomatic Courier Service
Name: Mrs Ruth Smith
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Anti-fraud resources:
