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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: jonfoster2@yahoo.com.sg
Date: Fri, 04 Nov 2005 14:10:53 -0800
Subject: Highly urgent..

Hello,

I am Mr. John Foster, the director of South African Gaming Commission, the body charged with responsibility of organizing National Lottery as established by law 2000. All participants of this game are selected through a computer ballot system drawn from 100,000 names from Africa, Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe, Middle East and Asia as part of our International Promotions Program, which is carried out quarterly.

Over time, we have had unclaimed winnings by the beneficiary up to the tune of $15mUSD(Fifteen Million United States Dollars)

The money is now lodged with a Security and Finance Company here in South Africa awaiting claim by Foreign Partner which status we now want you to assume.

However. I would want to believe that you are honest enough and will not raise any misgiving attitude in any aspect of the transaction, more importantly, you will keep this transaction very confidential so as not to tarnish the confidence reposed on these official by the Government of South Africa.

I assure you the transaction is 100% risk free as we have concluded every arrangement to protect the interest of every one involved and will discussed the sharing modalities as the transaction progresses. Please furnish me with your contact details through this e-mail address: jonfoster@yahoo.co.uk to enable me get back to you as quickly as possible.

Best Regards,
Mr. John Foster


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