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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. Johnnie Carson" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ambcarson38@e-mail.ua>
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:21:35 -0600
Subject: GOOD DAY OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION OF YOUR UNCLAIMED FUNDS

Embassy of the United States of America
From the Office Of Mr. Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Attention
I wish to bring to your notice that the International court of justice has ordered the Nigerian government to divert 2.6 Billion dollars Petroleum Trust fund (PTF) to settle its unpaid contract/Inheritance fund, including scam victims compensation. The good news is that you have been rewarded with the sum of $5,600,000.00 (Five million six hundred thousand dollars) which has been routed to ING Bank.
We are fully aware of the inconveniences that you may have been put through in your past attempt to claim your money, this may generate some DISTRUST from your end, but I re-assure you that your Security is guaranteed. Our focus is on the Category A beneficiaries, whose payment have unjustly been delayed or have been scammed out of there livelihood, this development will leave no room for extortion and will guarantee that ING Bank gives you access to the US$5,600,000.00. The payroll coordinator will give you additional information on these US$5,600,000.00 which has already been confirmed by the paying ING Bank, therefore nothing less than immediately releasing this money to you will be acceptable.
 
Re-confirm the information listed below immediately, it will be forwarded to ING Bank to identify you as the beneficiary to the money.
FULL NAME
CURRENT ADDRESS
ID CARD
CONTACT TELEPHONE (Land & Cell) and personal ID for more details
I will release direct contact information of the payroll coordinator to enable you contact him to finalize the release of the money.
The bank has confirmed the deposit of the sum in your favor, please do not hesitate to get back to me with your details so that  this US$5,600,000.00 can be released to you without further inconveniences. Ensure that any information that you are sending is original and verifiable to avoid dismay.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you
Sincerely yours,
Mr. Johnnie Carson
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

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