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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: "MICHAEL PONCE" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <michaelponceinfo@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2019 12:40:28 -0800
Subject: Re:Facilities.

Hello Friend,
I got your contact from reliable person. I have very vital information to give to you, but first I must have your trust before I review it to you because it may cause me my job.

I am Michael Ponce, head of luggage/baggage storage facilities (Operations, Maintenance, and Transportation) here at the Toronto Pearson International Airport. During my recent withheld package routine check at the Airport Storage Vault, I discovered an abandoned shipment from a Diplomat from Australia and when scanned, it revealed an undisclosed sum of money in a Metal Trunk Box weighing approximately 147kg (USD$7,500,000.00). You will get 35% of the funds for your role, and if you get back to me with your physical contact we will consummate transfer within 4 days.
Regards,
Michael Ponce

Anti-fraud resources: