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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: "Mr.Michael Baer" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michaelbaer60@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 02:49:20 +0100
Subject: Reply!!!!

Dear friend,
 
 
 
I hope you receive the mail in good time. Permit me to introduce myself since we have not had any previous correspondence in the past, my name is Michael Baer, Director of Operations Falcon Private Bank Ltd, Switzerland. Recently upon routine inspection I came across a dormant account that has been link to you. Before this, I would like to intimate you with details. in July of 2007, the Swiss Bankers Association published a list of dormant accounts originally opened by non-Swiss citizens in different banks in Switzerland. In my bank I came across this account that has the same surname with yours which is why I needed to make this contact with you at all cost for your cooperation and assistance to make this work.
 
This accounts has been dormant for the past four (4) years without no possible record of the beneficiary. During my private investigation I discovered that you bear the same surname with the deceased customer and can be link to the account legitimately.This process is completely legal and risk free, your role is to represent the deceased as beneficiary to the funds as the surviving  relative and family heir.I shall facilitate the legal deeds to back the entire process up legally
 
as the finance heard.All you need to do is work with me and follow my instructions,I already have documents to back you up so you have absolutely nothing to worry about.Once the fund is wired to your account on your instruction, the total deposit shall be shared  between you and I 50% each.
 
The Claims Resolution Tribunal has been mandated myself to report all unclaimed funds in my bank for permanent closure of accounts and transfer of existing credit balance into the treasury of Switzerland government as provided by the law for management of assets of deceased beneficiaries who died interstate (living no wills) without records.Your earliest response to this email will be highly appreciated.email:
 
 
Kind Regards,
 
Michael Baer

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