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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:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "western union" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- ",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)
- This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
- Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
- 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.
- westernuniondsbranch@financier.com (Financier; can be used from anywhere worldwide)
Fraud email example:
From: "Comdr. Abdul Katta" <westernuniondsbranch@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 01:01:28 -0700
Subject: FASTEST WAYS!!11..
For Your Attn Sir/Madam!!
It's me, Comdr. Abdul Katta? I hope that you are fine and in good health.
Well I'm here to inform you that due to your inability to receive your visa
card wealth USD$19,500,000.00 Millions from the UBA BANK.
I waited for a very long time but you did not receive your card. I decided
to deposit the funds with western union in Republic Du Senegal because I
will travel to India for health reasons and I won't come back in time.
Therefore, You have to contact the western union with the below details to
start receiving your funds.
Below is their Contact Address
Contact person: Dr. K.Sidi Madi
Email: westernuniondsbranch@financier.com
Address: Ouagou Niayes 02 Villa N 19 Dakar, Dakar
Contact them as soon as you receive this message. Re-confirm your details
to them to avoid any mistake in the receiver name. let me know as soon as
you receive your funds. Be informed that any delay at this time may be
dangerous.
Contact the western union now to start receiving your money.
Your friend,
Comdr. Abdul Katta.
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