joewein.net   joewein.de LLC
fighting spam and scams on the Internet
Try our spam filter!
 Free trial for 30 days
   jwSpamSpy
Home
About Us
Spam
419/Nigeria
Fraud
Contact

"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.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs.Rita Hamilton" <elss_25@msn.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Nov 2005 10:10:34 +0000
Subject: YOU HAVE WON/CONTACT YOUR CLAIM AGENT NOW!!

ACCREDITED LICENSED AGENT MR.JOE WEST. FAMOUS CULTURE LOTTERY AGENCY,
Ref. Number: 7ZQ/P56/414N Batch
Number:K54890137-846H
Sir/Madam We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 14th November 2005. Your e-mail address
attached to ticket number ML511465892-6410 with serial number 5S82-517 drew
lucky numbers PR-5-G8-23-21-4P which consequently won in the 1st category,
you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of US$ 1000,000.00
(one million United States Dollars) CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of somenumbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning
information
confidential until your claims have been processed and your money remitted
to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and
unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. All participants
were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 20,000
company and 30,000,000 individual Email addresses and names from all over
the world. This promotional program takes place every three years.
This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Presidents of the World Largest
software, we hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next
year USD50 million international lottery.
To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL Agent MR. JOE WEST, TO
FAMOUS CULTURE LOTTERY AGENCY.
Tel: 0032485129514/01132485129514
EMAIL: famousculture1@netscape.net
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 14th of December,
2005.After this date all unclaimed funds will be included in the next stake.
Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications. Please
remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all
correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform
our agent as soon as possible. Congratulations once more from our members of
staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program.
To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL Agent MR. JOE WEST, TO
FAMOUS CULTURE LOTTERY AGENCY.
Tel: 0032485129514, 01132485129514
EMAIL:famousculture1@netscape.net
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs. Rita Hamilton.
Lottery Coordinator.



--

Anti-fraud resources: