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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: mrphilip johnson <mrphilipjohnson00@yahoo.fr>
Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:58:43 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: RE : INHERITANCE


My Dear VICTIMNAME,
Thank you for your response to my mail to you.
In the first place,I want you to appreciate the fact that we have put in so many years of banking experience in the private sector and as such cannot get involved into issues that are not legitimate.
We appreciate this fact and have considered all issues relating to the legitimacy of this transaction and its importance as it relates to the successful conclusion of this transaction.
The legitimacy of this transaction lies in the fact that this fund ios presently blocked in the bank because it has overstayed (over five years) in the account without being claimed and the bank is considering transfering it to charity or to the governments unclaimed bills account to be embezzled by some corrupt government officials.
We therefore,with your kind assistance seek to transfer this fund to a safe bank account for disbursement and investment into very viable investment options.
You have all guarantees from us that this transaction is legitimate.
Please therefore send me your contact information like your telephone and fax nos as well as your postal address so that we can make some progress in this transaction.
Yours very truly,
Philip Johnson.



IS THIS TRANSACTION COMPLETELY LEGAL? PLEASE ADVISE.

VICTIM-FULLNAME





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