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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: st_kn_2000@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 13:24:33 +0200
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL

BUSINESS PROPOSAL
ATT:SIR/MA

I am Mr Steven Kani, the personal accounting officer to Mr. Smith B Andreas, a geologist, who lived and worked with Kruger Gold Mining Company Pty here in South Africa. Here in after shall be referred to as my client. On the 7th of February 2004, my client, his wife and their three children were involved in a ghastly car accident along N1 Pretoria highway road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to your country’s embassy to locate any of my clients extended relatives, but this has proved unsuccessful.

After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to trace his surname over the Internet, to locate any member of his family hence I contacted you. I have contacted you to assist me in repatriating the money and property left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this huge deposit were lodged. Particularly, the Amalgamated bank Of South Africa where the deceased had an account valued at about $8.5 million dollars has issued me a notice as his accounting officer to provide his next of kin or have the account confiscated within the twenty one (21)official working days.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 2 years now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you have the same surname with him, so that the proceeds of this account valued at $8.5 million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can share the money. I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and me from any breach of law.

Thanks and God Bless

Best Regards.
Mr Steven Kani



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