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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "john rufai" <johnrufai@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: john_rufai25@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2005 03:27:40 +0000
Subject: NEEDED YOUR ASSISTANCE.........

Attn:

I am Mr. John Rufai, an Executive Director of Projects, in a multinational
firm. I decided to forward to you this business proposal in anticipation
that you may be in position to assist/handle this business with us.

We want a reliable person, who could assist us in receiving funds from a
company we assisted in their bid for a contract in our firm promised us. The
company has therefore requested for information from us of who is to receive
the promised amount on our behalf and because we are not allowed by company
rules and regulation as in any other company to receive gratification for
service rendered officially or operate or own foreign accounts, hence the
need for your assistance

On our part, all modalities had been worked out in ensuring a smooth
transaction .All I want from you is your mailing address and the name that
you want the cheques to be issued on or bank account information where the
money can be wired. As soon as you indicate your Interest, further
instructions will be passed on to you on the procedure that we will follow
in accomplishing this deal.

On accomplishment of this deal you will be entitled to 20% of the total sum.
If this proposal is accepted by you, kindly reach me immediately via
furnishing me with your confidential telephone numbers.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

John Rufai


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