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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: loumanzdavid@netscape.net
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:43:38 +0200
Subject: MY FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP.

FROM: MR.LOU DAVID
SANDTON CITY,JOHANNESBURG
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA.
TEL: 27-73-811-4504


Dear Sir,

I know this mail will come to you as a surprise but I sincerely apologize for the inconveniences, which it may cause. I also pray that my decision of sending you this mail will be genuinely approved considering the fact that we haven't met.
Before I begin, my names are Lou David, I am 24years old. I am the first child of my parents who are from the ZAM ZAM Province of the Northern DAFUR Region of SUDAN. We are the BLACK AFRICAN SUDANESE.
My father late Dr. Manza David was a wealthy man in our province but he was killed when the ?Government backed? JANJAWEED or ARAB SUDANESE attacked and almost completely destroyed our province but my mother, kid brother and I survived.
Fortunately for my family my late father before his death deposited the sum of US$4M with a Security and Finance company based in Europe. My mother revealed all this to me and handed over all the documents of the deposit to me. This is so because according to our tradition I am the lawful heir and can stand for the family.
This he did for safety reasons and for the funds to be invested abroad. He clearly indicated it in the contract bond document that a foreign partner must be involved to lay claim. This is the reason why I am contacting you in order to assist me to claim the boxes from the security company and also give me directions on future Investments.
My mother and I have agreed to give you 30% of the total money for your foreign assistance and another 10% for any expenses, which might come up.
Your consideration of this mail and urgent reply will be very much appreciated.

Thanks.
Warmest regards,
Lou David




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