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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:
 -  An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before. 
-  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:
 -  ",500,000" (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)
 
-  "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
 
-  This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams. 
 
-  This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office. 
 
-  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. 
 -  unitedbankofafrican2901@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
 
Fraud email example:
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From: Morales Steven Jr <kimcorawilliams7420@gmail.com>Reply-To: unitedbankofafrican2901@gmail.com
 Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2021 17:59:40 -0700
 Subject: Dear Beneficially
 
 Morales Steven Jr
 
 Funds Release Supervisor and Chief Risk Officer of UBA Bank Director,
 Cotonou Benin Republic)
 
 Email: unitedbankofafrican2901@gmail.com
 
 Attention:
 PROCEDURES FOR THE RELEASE OF TRANSFER PAYMENT
 
 Dear Beneficially
 
 
 Your payment has been approved and endorsed by the United Nation
 Organization authorities, you have been confirmed as the Bonafide
 owner of this compensation Fund
 
 values The sum of US$17,500,000.00 which was deposited in our bank and
 we have been  instructed to pay your directly via personal on-line
 bank or you can provide your
 
 new account access and we can wire your complete fund into your new account.
 
 The Management has resolved to open a Personal On-line Banking Account
 for you with our bank and then give you the on-line access which  will
 enable you to check and
 
 make electronic wire transfer out to any part of the world of your
 choice. We will need your opinion.
 And I want to let you know that your money is free from any risk and
 delay as it comes to the final steps to make a transfer to your Online
 wire transfer. Or you
 
 choose how you want this great bank to bring your complete fund to you.
 
 Let me know that you agree and understand the importance of this
 matter before we go ahead and get this matter completed for you
 because we are professional in
 
 handling international matters like this. Kindly Send the Above
 information to enable us to set the account open for you.
 
 1. Your Full Name:
 2.Your full address.
 3. Your Age:
 4. Occupation:
 5. Cell/Home Phone Number
 6.Next of kin;
 7; Valid ID Card
 
 Looking forward to your next letter. Thank you for your patience.
 
 Regards
 Mr. Morales Steven Jr
 Direct Phone no: +229 5503 0298
 Email: unitedbankofafrican2901@gmail.com
 
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