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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: BENARD YORK <benard.york@btinternet.com>
Reply-To: benard_york@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 10 May 2010 17:29:03 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Dear friend


Dear friend
 
My name is Mr. Bernard York I am the regional manager of one of the leading bank here in Cote d'Ivoire. I got your information when i was searching for an oversea partner among other names. I write you this proposal in good faith; I am 52 years old married with kids. I am a devoted Christian and a man of peace.
 
I have packaged a financial transaction that will benefit you and I, as the regional manager of a bank, it is my duty to send in a financial report to my head office in the capital city Abidjan at the end of each business year. On the course of the last year 2009 business report, I discovered that my branch in which I am the manager made Twenty Million united state dollars (US$20,000.000.00)  which my head office are not aware of and will never be aware of. I have placed this funds on what we call escrow call account with no beneficiary.
 
As an officer of this bank I cannot be directly connected to this money, so my aim of contacting you is to assist me receive this money in your bank account and get 30% of the total funds as commission.
 
There are practically no risks involved, it will be a bank-to-bank transfer, and all I need from you is to stand claim as the original depositor of these funds who made the deposit with my branch so that my head office can order the transfer to your designated bank account.
If you accept to work with me I will appreciate it very much. email me back through my secured email address (  ) with the following information below so that we can go over the details and i will give you my full informations.
 
1. Your Full Name
2. Address
3. Private Phone number
4. Age and Occupation
 
Remember there is no risk involved i promise.
 
Thank you in advance and May God bless you and your family.
 
Best personal regards,
Mr. Bernard York
+225-6628-2306

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