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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: "Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri" <maila@mail.com>
Reply-To: ivysepe@k.ro
Date: Thu, 2 Dec 2004 12:32:55 +0100
Subject: From Ivy

Dear friend,

I am contacting you to front as a co-owner and beneficiary of funds
(US$25,000,000.00) due for an executed contract here in South africa.

I am currently a high ranking government official in the ruling cabinet of President Thabo Mbeki (South Africa).

This funds are a result of over-invoiced proceeds of a contract I helped a South African based company secure and is yet to be paid out by the Reserve Bank of South Africa.

This funds emanated as a result of an over-invoiced contract which Sentech (Pty)Ltd., a communications company executed with the Government of South Africa. I am afraid that the government of South Africa might start to investigate on contracts awarded from 2000 to date. If they discover this money yet unclaimed with my name linked to it, the government will confiscate the money and this will definitely affect my political career in Government.

I want your assistance to front as a co-owner of this company (SENTECH [PTY] LTD) to facilitate the release of the funds. I will introduce a very good attorney to assist us with the transfer process without any hitch but he will not be told my interest in the transaction as I play a very sensitive role in my government. As the contract was executed
in my present government department, be rest assured that I will use my position to approve the immediate release of the entitlement. As soon as the funds is release to your name, you are expected to move it
immediately into your personal bank account in your country. As soon as you have confirmed receipt of the funds into your account, I will arrange to meet with you.

If you agree to my proposal, please endeavour to send me an urgent reply to; ivysepe@k.ro
Due to my sensitive position in the South African
Government, I would not want you to phone or fax me.

The lawyer I will recommend to assist us will be representing our interest at the Reserve Bank of South Africa and all necessary quarters. All future correspondence must be made either to the attorney or myself.

I am reposing huge trust on you regardless of your being a total stranger. Upon your reply, we shall discuss your percentage for
your assistance.

Because of my sensitive position as serving government official, I will only give you more details of myself when we proceed further and I am sure of your sincerity.

Thank you.

Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri

MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

Honesty and transparency, they are my best work tools


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