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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: "AHMED SALIM" <geraldwest@sify.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: ahmedsalim2200@sify.com
Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 13:04:24 -0800
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE

Dear Sir/Madam,

I received encouraging information about you and how
trustworthy you are. I am delighted with such a useful
information. I am interested in partnership investment
programme with you. First, permit me to introduce myself.
I am the personal assistant to MOHAMED OULD NAFAA
(The minister of Construction) of the Western Sahara State
in the democratic republic of Sahara (a tiny country in the Desert).
Being the personal assistant to the minister of construction
of my country, I awarded the contract of Irrigation to
Portuguese firm worth several millions of dollars.
In the execution of that project, the Portuguese firm
discovered large amount of gold in one of the contract
sites. I collaborated with the Portuguese firm on a mutual
agreement on the proceed of which I have received my
share of $25m.

As the personal assistant to the minister of this tiny country,
I cannot introduce or circulate this funds into the Sahara
banking system considering the fact that I earn less than
$1,000 monthly coupled with the code of conduct guidelines
and regulations for public civil servants. Right now, my
country Western Sahara is in a civil crisis with the Kingdom
of Morocco because of our struggle for political independence.
The crisis is intensifying everyday. I have decided to leave
with my family once I am able to move my money out from
here. The above situation prompted my decision to solicit
your co-operation to take delivery of this funds into your
custody for my proposed investment as you will be adequately
compensated with $2m. I will arrange all necessary procedures
in ensuring a smooth process for the funds to get to you.
I will appreciate you contact me once you receive this mail,
via my above email account indicating your capability and
willingness to enable me give you more details of my modus
operandi of getting this money to you hitch-free.

This matter requires your urgent attention and confidentiality.
I await your anticipated reply indicating your interest to
co-operate with me in harnessing this opportunity.

Best Regards
Ahmed Salim
Western Sahara


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