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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: "Mr. Todd Stevens." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <toddstevens2011@live.com>
Date: Tue, 4 May 2010 04:31:24 +0100
Subject: Urgent Response

FROM: Mr. Todd Stevens.
HSBC General Consultant.
Office Address: 28 BOROUGH HIGH STREET, SOUTHWARK, LONDON, SE1 1YB UK.
Tel: +44 702 403 8772.
Email: toddstevens2011@live.com
 
   ****PAYMENT APPROVAL FROM THE HSBC LONDON UK. ********
 
 
Urgent Attention,
 
I am Mr. Todd Stevens, General Consultant, HSBC Diplomatic Delivery Department; set up to fight against scam and Fraudulent activities worldwide. This Group is responsible for investigating the legitimacy of unpaid contract, inheritance and lotto winning claims by companies and individuals and directs the paying authorities (Banks) worldwide to make immediate payment of verified claims to the beneficiaries without further delay.
 
 
You are being legally contacted regarding the release of your long awaited fund. After a detailed review of your file, the United Nation Monetary Unit has been authorized to release your fund immediately. The sum of US$12,500,000.00; has been approved in your favor via my desk. This payment will be made via Cash Payment through Diplomatic Courier Delivery or Bank-to-Bank wire transfer through THE HSBC Bank London UK.
 
Be informed that we are working in collaborations with the United Nation secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, who authorize the immediate payment of your long awaited fund without any further delay. 
You are advised to include the followings below:
 
(1). Your Full Name,  (2). Direct Telephone Numbers, (3). Contact Address, (4). Your Occupation and age (5). The Nearest Airport Close to your City. Note that the above fund has been cleared from terrorist or fraud related activities.
 
Thanks for Your Cooperation.
 
Mr. Todd Stevens.
General Consultant, HSBC Bank London UK.
Email: toddstevens2011@live.com
Tel: +44 702 403 8772.
 

Anti-fraud resources: