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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:
- "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
Fraud email example:
From: UNITED SPECIAL INVESTIGATING UNIT <abayomielega514@gmail.com>
Reply-To: unitedspecialinvestigator793@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2023 12:27:35 -0700
Subject: HAVE YOU BEEN ABLE TO RECEIVE YOUR FUND?
I wish to announce our successful investigation which was carried out
few days ago; I guess it will interest you to know why this
investigation was conducted. For your information, it was truly
confirmed that you have 100% Legitimate unpaid transaction and you
have every right to claim this funds as you're been confirmed to be
the right Beneficiary of the said amount $19.5 Million usd
COMPENSATION/INHERITANCE FUNDS OR NEXT OF KIN however, Due to the
delay of getting this funds to you, your funds has now been increased
to $20 Million usd approved for payment by International Monetary Fund
(IMF) here in United States.
I want to know if you're interested in receiving your unpaid
legitimate funds value $20Million usd however, I will only be of help
if you agreed to follow my instructions. If you're really interested
in receiving your unpaid $20Million USD, I advise that you get back to
me immediately. All I need is your cooperation and understanding.
REPLY WITH YOUR BELOW INFO:
**Your full names....
**Your phone Number....
**Your correct and current address.....
Please you can contact me back on my email by clicking your Reply.
Regard
Mr. Miki Williams
United States Special investigator
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Anti-fraud resources:
