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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.

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Fraud email example:

From: "Mary Aba" <maryamalhaja@luckyday-uk-promo.com>
Reply-To: maryamalhaja2011@yahoo.it
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 17:31:29 +0000
Subject: Acknowledge receipt of email.

Dear Partner,

Following the sudden death of my husband General Sani Abacha the late former
head of state of
Nigeria in June 1998, I have been thrown into a state of utter confusion,
frustration and
hopelessness by the present civilian administration, I have been subjected
to physical and psychological torture by the security agents in the
country.My son is still under detention arraigned before the federal high
court of Nigeria for an offernce he did not commit.

As a widow that is sotraumatized, I have lost confidence with anybody within
the country.You must
have heard over the media reports and the internet on the recovery of
various huge sums of money deposited by my husband in different security
firms abroad, some companies willingly give up their secrets and disclosed
our money confidently lodged there and many outrightly blackmail us. In fact
the total sum discovered by the Government so far is in the tune of $700
Million dollars. And they are not relenting to make me poor for life. You
may be surprise how I got to know but I will tell you when you reply. I
repose great confidence in you hence my approach to you. due to security
network placed on my day to day affairs I cannot afford to visit the embassy
so that is why I decided to contact you and I hope you will not betray my
confidence in you.

I have deposited the sum of U.S 40.3 million dollars with a security firm
abroad whose name is
witheld for now until we open communication.I shall be grateful if you could
receive this fund
into your account for safe keeping. This arrangement is known to you and my
son alone, my son will deal directly with you as security is up my whole
being.The name of my son is Mustapha. I am seriously considering to re-marry
if you desire as soon as this fund get into your account so that I can start
all over again with you if you wish. Please honesty is the watch word in
this transaction.

Please forward your private your telephone and fax number so that we can
commence communication
immediately. In case you don‘t accept please don‘t let me out to the
security.I will greatly appreciate if you accept my proposal in good
faith.Please expedite action.

Maryam A abacha


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