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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:
- "consignment " (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)
- "00,000.00" (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)
- "diplomatic agent" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
- freeman.robert155@aol.com (AOL; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Diplomat;Courier Agent" <robertfreeman274@gmail.com>
Reply-To: freeman.robert155@aol.com
Date: Fri, 26 Mar 2021 10:50:47 +0100
Subject: Diplomat Agent in charge for your delivery.
Attention:
I am Diplomat ROBERT FREEMAN; Diplomat Agent in charge for your
delivery. I have been trying to reach you about an hour now just to
inform you about my successful arrival at the International Airport
with your package containing USD$ 4,800,000.00 (Four million eight
hundred thousand Dollars) which I have been instructed by the
compensation award committee to deliver the package to you.
Please try and reach me with 720 399-8626 as I can not afford to spend
more time here due to other delivery I have to take care of in
Bangkok. I have the documents backing up your consignment as I can
accompany you to your bank were you will deposit the fund successfully
with these papers without any stress. I have more vital paper with me
but I can only present you the hard copy when I reach your house.
Kindly confirm your current delivery information to enhance security
to ensure a safe and swift delivery to your home:
Your Full Name:………………………
Your Current address:………………………
Direct telephone Number:……………………
Closest International Airport:…………
Upon confirmation of your details your I will proceed with delivery immediately.
Looking forward to hear from you and congratulations once again.
Diplomat ROBERT FREEMAN
Diplomatic Agent
Tele: 720 399-8626
Email:freeman.robert155@aol.com
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