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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: "John Mervyn King" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnmervynking@qq.com>
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:58:19 +0100
Subject: Proposal

Dearest Friend,

I am John Mervyn King, a financial adviser with multi-national operating across the globe. With my pedigree, I guide investors and help politicians, Royal family, past and current regime bankroll operation, I also manage their funds overseas in Stock and other investment portfolio. I seek an assistance from you that will benefit us immensely. As a result of the financial threat some of my client experience and vulnerability of their offshore investment/deposit due to financial Probe, I have been directed by some client's to source for assistance of someone who can stand as the beneficiary and claim the funds with an offshore or business account through which funds can be moved discreetly or managing the funds offshore in your name.

I also prefer a high level of anonymity, you are to handle this transaction in trust without my interference following my instruction. Considering the fact that I cannot be involved or tied to this process, I will try to communicate to you on a more secured channel only. You will be required to hold the funds in Trust, Or you can setup an investment portfolio in your country using your name with the client having a major percentage share. We can assure you that this is 100%safe and will be carried out in a legal manner.

If you are familiar with private banking affairs, those who patronize discrete offshore services where the funds are currently lodged usually prefer anonymity, but also some levels of detachment from conventional processes. I and my client alone know of the existence of this safe deposit for as far as the offshore deposit is concerned, the bank’s, are simply awaiting instructions to release the deposit.

I am aware of the consequences of this proposal. I ask that if you find no interest in this project that you should discard this mail. I ask that you do not be vindictive and destructive. If my offer is of no appeal to you, delete this message and forget I ever contacted you. Do not destroy my reputation because you do not approve of my proposal, If you find yourself able to work with me, contact me through this email address: 321486525@qq.com . If you give me positive signals, I will initiate this process towards a conclusion.

Regards
John Mervyn King

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