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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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Fraud email example:

From: aba <aba@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 17:57:44 -0700
Subject: Kindliy Assist

From:Mariam Abacha
Lagos-Nigeria.

Dear Sir,

Following the sudden death of my husband General Sani Abacha the late former head of state of Nigeria
in june 1998, I have been thrown into a state of utter confusion, frustration and hopelessness by the
present civilian administration, I have been subjected to physical and psychological torture by the
security agents in the country. My son was just released from detention few months ago by the Nigerian
Government for an offence he did not commit. As a widow that is so traumatized, I have lost confidence
with anybody within the country.

You must have heard over the media reports and the internet on the recovery of various huge sums of
money deposited by my husband in different security firms abroad, some companies willingly give up their
secrets and disclosed our money confidently lodged there or many outright blackmail. In fact the total
sum discovered by the Government so far is in the tune of $700. Million dollars. And they are not relenting
to make me poor for life. I got your contacts through my personal research, and out of desperation
decided to reach you through this medium.I will give you more information as to this regard as soon as
you reply.

I repose great confidence in you hence my approach to you due to security network placed on my day to
day affairs I cannot afford to visit the embassy so that is why I decided to contact you and I hope you will
not betray my confidence in you.

I have deposited the sum of US$30,000.000 million dollars with a security firm abroad whose name is
witheld for now until we open communication.I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your
account for safe keeping. This arrangement is known to you and my son Ahmed alone, so my son will
deal directly with you as security is up my whole being.I am seriously considering to settle down abroad in
a friendly atmosphere like yours as soon as this fund get into your account so that I can start all over
again if only you wish, but if it is impossible,just help me in diverting this fund into your account which will
accrue you 30% of this fund.

Please honesty is the watch word in this transaction. I will require your telephone and fax numbers so that
we can commence communication immediately and I will give you a more detailed picture of things. In
case you dont accept please do not let me out to the security as I am giving you this information in total
trust and confidence .I will greatly appreciate if you accept my proposal in good faith. Please expedite
action by sending your reply to my son's email address below.

Sincerely Yours,

HAJIA MARIAM ABACHA.
PLEASE REPLY VIA THIS EMAIL ADDRESS: aba9000@indiatimes.com

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