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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: "IMF REGULATORY OFFICE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infoimfregulatoryofficeng@list.ru>
Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2017 02:01:33 -0800
Subject: UPDATE ON YOUR FUNDS PAYMENT(Charges Reduced)

FROM THE DESK OF: MR. W. SCOTT ROGERS, RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE, IMF
OFFICE, NIGERIA.
TEL: +2347081102277.
 
 
ATTENTION: SIR,
 
 
CLEARANCE FEES AND CHARGES HAS BEEN REDUCED IN YOUR FAVOUR.
 
 
AFTER AN EMERGENCY MEETING WE HAD WITH THE NEW GOVERNMENT IN NIGERIA,
It Has Been Resolved That Due to corrupt practices of the previous Administration in Nigeria and the difficulties you had with raising the required fee for the release of your funds($6M USD)(SIX MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS)We will advice you to do all you can to pay $125 usd As resolved by our Organization (IMF) and the office of the Presidency,Nigeria.
I am an American, Though i have been here in Nigeria as the Resident Representative of the IMF. I will attach my International Passport for your perusal,In-case you are skeptical because of scam, We understand your situation,Therefore you are advised to go ahead and send the reduced fee,It is in your best interest. The Office of DIRECTOR GENERAL  INTER-CONTINENTAL DEBT RECONCILIATION DEPARTMENT OF  IMF HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON D.C. USA has been Mandated to handle the transfer of your funds through their sole Representative in Nigeria, supervised by Mr W. SCOTT ROGERS. In-Case you have any doubt or question you can call or text The Office of DIRECTOR GENERAL  INTER-CONTINENTAL DEBT RECONCILIATION DEPARTMENT OF  IMF HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON D.C. USA -Mr Edwin David Ezeh. on his Direct phone line--- +1 7722073872.
I want you to understand that we are in no way compelling you to receive your over due funds, our resolution with Nigerian Government was borne out of complaints from numerous Beneficiaries who has been short-changed or cheated during the cause of processing the Release of their funds.
Kindly comply with our Directives by making the required payments Via Money Gram Or Western Union Money Transfer.
 
My office shall furnish you with payment information as soon as you are ready to make the $125 usd payment.
 
My office will immediately instruct the release of your funds hence we receive the fee of $125 USD As resolved with the Government of Nigeria. Be Advised Accordingly.
Thanks and Waiting for your swift response.
(ATTACHED IS MY INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT FOR YOUR PERUSAL).
MR. W. SCOTT ROGERS.
IMF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN NIGERIA.
TEL: +2347081102277.

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