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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: "Jan Misianik" <jan_misianik@msn.com>
Reply-To: jan_misianik@walla.com
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 18:45:44 +0000
Subject: INVESTMENT REQUEST FROM RUSSIA

Hello Friend,
I am Dr. Jan Misianik. and I represent Mr. Mikhail Khordokovsky the
former C.E.O of Yukos Oil Company in Russia. I have a very sensitive and
confidentialbrief from this top (oligarch) to ask for your partnership in
re-profiling funds US$42.3 Million. I will give the details, but in summary,
the funds are coming via Bank Menatep. This is a legitimate transaction. You
will be paid 10% for your "Management Fees".

If you are interested, please write back by mailand provide me with your
confidential telephone number,fax number and email address and I will
provide further details and instructions. Please keep this confidential; we
can't afford more political problems.

Finally, please note that this must be concluded within two weeks.Please
advice on your position immediately . I look forward to it.

Regards,
Dr. Jan Misianik.


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