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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
- The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "diplomatic delivery" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
- This email message is a next of kin scam.
Fraud email example:
From: diplomatic courier<postmaster@jogosdecolorir.com>
Reply-To: diplomatccountent@gmail.com
Date: 22 May 2023 17:07:34 +0300
Subject: Diplomatic delivery agent for the claim of your Inheritance FUND
The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S
Dear Friend,
I am Mr.Richard Jensen who is the Compensation Award Director and
the Diplomatic delivery agent for the claim of your Inheritance
FUND Worth of $7.4 millions dollars in your name as well.
I write to inform you that the GOVERNMENT OF UNITED STATES in
conjunction with International Monetary Fund (IMF), has resolved
to release all pending transaction from world bank within 7
working days, For those yet to receive their payments and those
whose inheritance had not been paid and the list of all
outstanding contractor that were owed that are yet to receive
their payments and regarding the compensation of your inheritance
entitlement, I wish to bring to your notice that we have mandated
that the fund in question make out to you as your name was
shortlisted among beneficiaries whose payment has long been due
and ready to be released to you in this final payment exercise.
Anticipating your urgent cooperation in order to receive your
payment.
Thank You. Best Regards Mr.Richard Jensen
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Anti-fraud resources:
