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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: "Wale Joseph" <bar_wale@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 01 Nov 2005 15:46:42 +0000
Subject: HI

Hello,
I am Barrister Joseph Wale,the personal attorney to Mr. Smith herein
after referred to as my client,a national of your country,who used to work
with a Telecommunication Company.My client and his entire family were involved in a fatal motor accident,which unfortunately claimed their lives, along the Enugu/Benin Express road, sparing none of the occupants of the vehicle.I have since then made several enquiries to your Embassy, in a bid to locate any relation of my late client, and these efforts of mine have not been productive.I came across your name during my search which is why I have contacted you to assist in securing the money and property left behind by my client before they are declared as unclaimed and unserviceable by the reputable Bank here in  (Affiliated with some foreign banks ),where they have been lodged for safekeeping by the Federal Goverment.I am particularly interested in securing this contract fund balance with Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF),totaling One millon,two hundred thousand United States Dollar(1.2mUSD)This is because the Bank has issued a notice to me, unequivocally instructing me to produce the Next of Kin to the said account within the next two months, or have the  bonded account confiscated.Considering my lack of success in my bid to locate his relatives for over two years, I solicit your consent to enable me produce you as the Next of Kin to my deceasedclient,
since you both bear the same last name.The funds will then be transferred to you as the beneficiary and after a successful we share accodinlly.
I will provide all the necessary and legally obtained documents to back up any claim we make regarding this process, and will just require your
understanding and cooperation to enable us achieve success within a
legitimate arrangement,eliminating any liability resulting from any breach
of the prevalent laws.And I am assuring you that this is a risk free
transaction.
Your urgent response will be highly appreciated.Till then,have a nice
day.

Barrister Joseph Wale

Law Office:Block 12, Local Government Plaza,Asaba
Delta State

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