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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: "Josef Stefan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <markd263@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2014 20:31:05 -0700
Subject: Your Kind Attention

Your Kind Attention,
It is explicable for you to grow apprehensive reading from me since there was no previous exchange between us. However, I implore your attention on the subject matter hereto contained. I am Josef Stefan (Esq),an Attorney-at-law and a global investment advisor.
 
A deceased client of mine Mr. Charles, who died in 2009 from Air France Flight 447 Crash, had left large sum of account in his bank account totaling USD11,400,000 Eleven Million Four Hundred Thousand approximately.
 
Upon maturity legal responsibilities, the bank has requested that I present the beneficiary of the Estate.  This reason underscores my contacting you since you share the same family name with the deceased. I am disposed to present you to the bank as the beneficiary of the Estate after procurement of necessary documentations applicable for inheritance.
 
Please be assured that there is no ramification (legal or otherwise) in the means of consummating this transaction hence the process and procedure will be conducted in accordance with legal applicable requirements. You are entitled to 40% of the total funds, while 50% will be for me and 10% will be set aside for expenses incurred.
 
Please, revert accordingly with Full Name, Contact Address, Phone Number, Age and Current Occupation, to indicate your interest to be part of the aforementioned transaction.
Sincerely
Josef Stefan Esq.
Attorney-at-law

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