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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "HUGO BENSON" <hugomary_benson@hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 04:02:05 +0000
Subject: Dear Friend,

HUGO BENSON & Associate
Plot 406' Attorney Avenue,
Garki Abuja Nigeria.
private Email.....hugomarybenson2@yahoo.com]
Tell: +234 -8037373824
 
Dear Friend,
 
Please permit my unsolicited mail, I am a solicitor at law; as well personal attorney to Mr. FRANK Henry hereinafter refers as my client, who used to work with Nigeria Cement Company.
Whereas My client with his entire family were among the victims of bomb explosion in Lagos, Nigeria, that happened on January 27, 2002 which claimed many lives and property, since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives this has also proved unsuccessful, I decided to track his last name over the Internet, to locate any member of his family but it was unsucessful hence I contacted you.
See the 2 website of the bomb explosion below:-
I contacted you to assist in claiming this fund from the finance house where he deposited it before his untimely death.
The finance company where the deceased had an account valued at about USD{$30 Million} million dollars has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or have the account confiscated within the next ten official working days.
Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 3 years now I seek your conscent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you have the same initial name, so that the proceeds of this account valued at USD{$30 Million} million dollars can be paid to you as the Next of Kin.
All I need is your full maximum support and cooperation to enable us achieve this transaction within 10 working days and I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. i also agree to pay you 40% of the found 50% to me why 10% will be pay to you incase of any expances you made In consideration for your assistance, you will not only assist in investing the money, you and I will entittle of a good percentage of the whole proceeds as will be agreed.
Do please indicate your willingness to assist by sending your full name, address, private telephone and fax numbers your age and your occupation to enable us commence immediately. I will inform you on the next step to follow.
Best regards,
Barrister hugo Benson
NOTE:All reply regarding this transaction should please send to my private email address hugomarybenson2@yahoo.com}

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