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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:
- "hundred thousand united states dollars" (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)
- "dear beneficiary," (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: UNITED NATION <augustineadaobi429@gmail.com>
Reply-To: unitednationatmdepartment26@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 5 May 2022 21:48:27 +0300
Subject: GOOD NEWS FROM UNITED NATION ATM CARD CENTER OFFICE
Dear Beneficiary,
This is to notify you that the United Nations Secretary General has
deliberated with the world bank for a compensation payment on scammed
victims from Asia, America and Europe so your name emerged as one of the
lucky beneficiaries. I write to let you know that the sum of $4.8 000,000
(Four Million Eight Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) Only has been
approved in your favor.you are advised to reconfirm the below
information where to deliver the
ATM CARD. upon contacting me to avoid wrong delivery
1- Your Full Name
2- Your Delivery Address
3- Your Contact Telephone Number
4- Your Occupation
5- Your nearest Airport
WARM REGARD
GLEN WALTER
PHONE TEXT OR CALL +15027712162
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Anti-fraud resources:
