|
|
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:
- 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:
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- "clearance certificate" (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. )
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: FBI OFFICE <bankofamerica1210@gmail.com>
Reply-To: fbioffice2278@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2021 14:30:11 -0700
Subject: Attention Dear Email ID owner
--
Attention Dear
Am Mr wray the Director of F.B.I, am here by
announcing to you that Your package was at Little Mt International
Airport ,since and every necessary fees/charges Has been paid by
sender except $50 for Delivery Permit
Clearance Certificate, but a Lady Mrs. Jennifer Mora came forward to
claimed you sent her to claim your package Did you order her to pay
$50 for
(Delivery Permit Clearance Certificate)? Also be informed that we came
to an agreement with the U.S Custom Authority at Little Mt
International Airport
USA said that you will send $50 latest tomorrow, else you will be
Arrested for assign her without informing us:
This is the information use
instruction giving to you to avoid you been Arrested
All you have to do is to get the $50USD
and send it immediately delay is on your head for your safety
Thank you and GOD bless you
|
Anti-fraud resources:
