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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: Mohammed Sherif <georgethomaslupien@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mohdsherif1945@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2012 03:05:40 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From Mr.Mohammed Sherif




Dear Friend,
I am Mr.Mohammed Sherif director in charge of auditing and accounting section of Intercontinental Bank of Benin,Cotonou,Republic of Benin in West Africa.With due respect and regard I have decided to contact you on a business transaction that will be very beneficial to both of us at the end of it.During our investigation and auditing in this bank,my department came across a very huge sum of money belonging to a deceased person who died with his family on a plane crash and since his untimely death the funds has been dormant in his account with this Bank without any claim of the fund in our custody either from his family or relation before our discovery to this development.Although personally,I keep this information secret within myself and partners to enable the whole plans and idea be Profitable and successful during the time of execution.The said amount was usd$32m (Thirty Two Million Dollars).
 
Meanwhile all the whole arrangement to put claim over this fund as the bonafide next of kin to the deceased has been put in place,more directives and needed information will be relayed to you as soon as you indicate your interest and willingness to assist us also benefit yourself to this great business opportunity.Infact I could have done this deal alone but because of my position in this country as a civil servant,we are not allowed to operate a foreign account and would eventually raise an eye brow on my side during the time of transfer because I work in this bank.This is the actual reason why it will require a second party or fellow who will forward claims as the next of kin to the Bank also present a foreign account where the fund will be transferred into his request account as it may be after due verification and clarification by the correspondent branch of the bank where the whole fund will be remit from.
 
May I at this point emphasize that this transaction is 100% risk free as I have made a successful arrangements as an insider of the bank before contacting you.On smooth conclusion of this transaction,you will be entitled to 30% of the total sum as gratification, while 10% will be set aside to take care of expenses that may arise during the time of transfer also telephone bills, while 60% will be for me and my partners.Please,you have been adviced to keep this a top secret as we are still in service and intend to retire from service after we conclude this deal with you. I will be monitoring the whole situation here in this bank until you confirm the money in your account and ask us to come down to your country for subsequent sharing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated and further investment, either in your country or any country you advice us.All other necessary information will be sent to you on your acceptance to champion this
transaction with me. I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible stating your wish in this deal in order for business to start immediately.
 
Yours faithfully,

Mr.Mohammed Sherif

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