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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:
- "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: mustafa.ayvaz@yardboats.com
Reply-To: mustafaayvaz001@gmail.com
Date: 10 Feb 2022 20:53:08 +0000
Subject: Hello Dear
Greetings
I am looking for a relative of my deceased client Mr. Robert, who
lost his life due to Coronavirus disease, which he contracted
during his business trip in China. I am his personal attorney and
I am looking for his next of kin, I contacted you to work with me
in securing the transfer of a fund, four million four hundred and
twenty thousand dollars, legacy by my late client. Please contact
me immediately for more information.
Awaiting.
Mustafa Ayvaz
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Anti-fraud resources:
