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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: "Paul Williams" <pwilliams0f2005@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 00:47:03 +0200
Subject: Requesting for your able assistance please


Dear friend,

I am contacting you based on a pitiable situation in which I found myself today. Please find a way to help me out and I will remain grateful.
My name is Paul Williams a 24 years old boy originally from liberia but I happened to be a victim of the Darfur - Sudan political crises which has turned me into an orphan and a semi - beggar.

At the moment, I am in Dakar Senegal and as confused and hopeless but I believe that this condition like every other one is not going to be permanent but what I do not know is when.
My father was a victim Sudan crises which caused his death. My Father was a successful businessman, but his death turned out to be a blessing to all his business associates and relatives who diverted all his resources to their personal interest.
I was almost left with nothing if not that God led me to my father's private safe room where I discovered some important documents that worth of (US$8,500.000.00) which he deposited in a security and finance company in senegal. I have successfully reach here now in Dakar Senegal where this money is deposited and i had meeting with operational manager of the security and finance company and he said that since i am the next of kin to the the deposit, then the deposit is for me, and if i need the deposit then it will be realase to me.
I had no plans at the time as to what to do with the deposit given the tensed situation so i decided to contact you with my good intention so that you will help me to recieved this funds over there in your country because i don't want this funds to be used in africa. Today, I am a bit relaxed and have decided to carry on with my life.
I desperately need your assistance in the following areas after the transfer of this fund to you position;

(a) helping me to receive this fund

(b) assisting me in settling the fund in any of your bank accounts

(c) arranging traveling documents for me down to your country

(d) helping me in furthering my education

(e) and helping me in investing whatsoever is left for me Based on these outlined requests, I am ready to discuss conditions for
this anticipated assistance.

I will be waiting to brief you more on this transaction as I have every detail you may need to carry on with this as soon as I hear from you.

Much regards,

Paul Williams



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