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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:
- "from the desk of" (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.
- 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.
- bensonmaria783@gmail.com (Gmail/GoogleMail; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: Mrs.Maria Benson. <info@usa.org>
Reply-To: <bensonmaria783@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:08:55 -0700
Subject: Chairman Payment Reconciliation Committee.
From the Desk of Mrs.Maria Benson..
Chairman Payment Reconciliation Committee.
Attn: Beneficiary ,
How Family?
The Investigation carried out recently proved to us that some Foreign
Beneficiaries had spent much money for TAXES REVENUES and
DOCUMENTATIONS without receiving their funds.
Truly, we have confirmed everything and are now ready to tackle this
matter to make sure that all Beneficiaries involved are paid their
funds without any further EXTORTION of funds like before. Now you are
seriously advised to stop all further communications with people
reaching you from various places to avoid confusion during and after
Your Payment is already processed by this Reconciliation Committee
after our meeting with the European Authorities.
We are very sorry for what you went through in the past with Corrupt
Government Officials. Everything is now under control and your Overdue
fund shall be paid to you without further excuses. This is a promise.
IMPORTANTLY,YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MEET WITH OUR EUROPEAN REPRESENTATIVE
FACE TO FACE TO DETAIL AND GUIDE YOU MORE ABOUT YOUR PAYMENT.
BUT BEFORE MEETING WITH HIM IN EUROPE,HE WILL FIRST OF ALL CONTACT YOU
VIA EMAIL AND TELEPHONE TO EXPLAIN CERTAIN THINGS EVEN ALL THE
REQUIREMENTS NEEDED BEFORE THE RELEASE OF YOUR PAYMENT BY THE EUROPEAN
BANK ON ARRIVAL.( bensonmaria783@gmail.com )
Finally,fill as listed below and forward to this Reconciliation
Committee and expect further details from us. Waiting to hear
from you.
Your Full Name
Your Complete Address
Name of City of Residence:
Date of Birth (Day / Month / Year):
Mobile Number:
Occupation:
Company name:
Next of Kin:
Age:
Your International Passport:
Regards.
Mrs.Maria Benson.
Chairman Payment Reconciliation Committee.
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Anti-fraud resources:
