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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: "BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <dirtelexunit@ibibo.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:36:04 +0100
Subject: compensation of $500,000 USD to you

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION
Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Great Britain  London
Direct Telephone:44-7024087833
 
 
Attention,Sir
 
 
The BRITISH High Commission in London,We received a report of scam against you and other British/US citizens and Malaysia,Etc. The countries of Nigeria, Benin Republic, Bokinafaso And Ghana have recompensed you following the meeting held with the Four countries' Government and various countries' high commission for the fraudulent activities carried out by the Four countries' Citizens.
 
Your name was among those scammed as listed by the BRITISH Financial Intelligent Unit (BFIU). A compensation Of $500,000 USD has been issued out in ATM CARDS to all the affected victims and has been already been in distribution to all the bearers. Your ATM CARD was among those that was reported undelivered as at on Monday and we wish to advise you to see to the instructions of the Committee to make sure you receive your ATM CARD immediately.
 
 
BFIU further told us that the use of Nigeria and Benin Couriers was abolished due to interception activities noticed in the above mentioned courier services in Benin,Nigeria and Ghana and thereby have made a concrete arrangement with the DHL Courier Company for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the demand of the conveyance.
 
 
We advise that you do the needful to make sure the BFIU dispatches your ATM CARD on Friday. Reply this e-mail to dirtelexunit@ibibo.com .You are assured of the safety of your ATM CARD and availability. Be advised that you should stop further contacts with all the fake lawyers and security companies who in collaboration scammed you. Call me at: Direct Telephone:+44-7024087833 immediately to check if the delivery date suits you.
 
 
Yours in Service,
 
Mr. Richard Gozney
CONSULAR
Direct Telephone:44-7024087833

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